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Estatutos Estatales Seleccionados: Luisiana

Estatutos Seleccionados: Louisiana

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Estatutos Seleccionados: Louisiana

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

The statutes are current through the 2023 First Extraordinary, Regular, and Veto Sessions. The Louisiana State Legislature website has a complete list of statutes if you want to find additional statutes.

Louisiana Revised Statutes (select sections)

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

Title 9. Civil Code Ancillaries

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

Code Book I. Of Persons

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

Code Title V. Divorce

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

Chapter 1. Divorce

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

Part I-a. Child Support

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

Subpart A. Guidelines for Determination of Child Support

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

§ 315. Economic data and principles; definitions

Actualizada: 
31 de diciembre de 2023

A. Basic principles. The premise of these guidelines as well as the provisions of the Civil Code is that child support is a continuous obligation of both parents, children are entitled to share in the current income of both parents, and children should not be the economic victims of divorce or out-of-wedlock birth. The economic data underlying these guidelines, which adopt the Income Shares Model, and the guideline calculations attempt to simulate the percentage of parental net income that is spent on children in intact families incorporating a consideration of the expenses of the parties, such as federal and state taxes and FICA taxes. While the legislature acknowledges that the expenditures of two-household divorced, separated, or non-formed families are different from intact family households, it is very important that the children of this state not be forced to live in poverty because of family disruption and that they be afforded the same opportunities available to children in intact families, consisting of parents with similar financial means to those of their own parents.

B. Economic data.

(1) The Incomes Shares approach to child support guidelines incorporates a numerical schedule of support amounts. The schedule provides economic estimates of child-rearing expenditures for various income levels and numbers of children in the household. The schedule is composed of economic data utilizing a table of national averages adjusted to reflect Louisiana’s status as a low-income state and to incorporate a self-sufficiency reserve for low-income obligors to form the basic child support obligation.

(2) In intact families, the income of both parents is pooled and spent for the benefit of all household members, including the children. Each parent’s contribution to the combined income of the family represents his relative sharing of household expenses. This same income sharing principle is used to determine how the parents will share a child support award.

C. Definitions. As used in this Part:

(1) “Adjusted gross income” means gross income, minus:

(a) Amounts for preexisting child support or spousal support obligations owed under an order of support to another who is not a party to the proceedings and

(b) At the court’s discretion, amounts paid on behalf of a party’s minor child who is not the subject of the action of the court.

(2) “Combined adjusted gross income” means the combined adjusted gross income of both parties.

(3) “Gross income” means:

(a) The income from any source, including but not limited to salaries, wages, commissions, bonuses, dividends, severance pay, pensions, interest, trust income, recurring monetary gifts, annuities, capital gains, social security benefits, workers’ compensation benefits, basic and variable allowances for housing and subsistence from military pay and benefits, unemployment insurance benefits, disaster unemployment assistance received from the United States Department of Labor, disability insurance benefits, and spousal support received from a preexisting spousal support obligation;

(b) Expense reimbursement or in-kind payments received by a parent in the course of employment, self-employment, or operation of a business, if the reimbursements or payments are significant and reduce the parent’s personal living expenses. Such payments include but are not limited to a company car, free housing, or reimbursed meals; and

(c) Gross receipts minus ordinary and necessary expenses required to produce income, for purposes of income from self-employment, rent, royalties, proprietorship of a business, or joint ownership or a partnership or closely held corporation. “Ordinary and necessary expenses” shall not include amounts allowable by the Internal Revenue Service for the accelerated component of depreciation expenses or investment tax credits or any other business expenses determined by the court to be inappropriate for determining gross income for purposes of calculating child support.

(d) As used herein, “gross income” does not include:

(i) Child support received, or benefits received from public assistance programs, including Family Independence Temporary Assistance Plan, supplemental security income, food stamps, and general assistance.

(ii) Per diem allowances which are not subject to federal income taxation under the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.

(iii) Extraordinary overtime including but not limited to income attributed to seasonal work regardless of its percentage of gross income when, in the court’s discretion, the inclusion thereof would be inequitable to a party.

(iv) Any monetary gift to the domiciliary party when the objective of the gift is to supplement irregular child support payments from the nondomiciliary party.

(v) Any disaster assistance benefits received from the Federal Emergency Management Agency through its Individuals and Households Program or from any other nonprofit organization qualified as a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, as amended.

(4) “Health insurance premiums” means the actual amount paid by a party for providing health insurance on behalf of the child. It does not include any amount paid by an employer or any amounts paid for coverage of any other persons. If more than one dependent is covered by health insurance which is paid through a lump-sum dependent-coverage premium, and not all of such dependents are the subject of the guidelines calculation, the cost of the coverage shall be prorated among the dependents covered before being applied to the guidelines.

(5) “Income” means:

(a) Actual gross income of a party, if the party is employed to full capacity; or

(b) Potential income of a party, if the party is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed. A party shall not be deemed voluntarily unemployed or underemployed if he or she is absolutely unemployable or incapable of being employed, or if the unemployment or underemployment results through no fault or neglect of the party.

(c) The court may also consider as income the benefits a party derives from expense-sharing or other sources; however, in determining the benefits of expense-sharing, the court shall not consider the income of another spouse, regardless of the legal regime under which the remarriage exists, except to the extent that such income is used directly to reduce the cost of a party’s actual expenses.

(6) “Medical support” means health insurance and the payment of the medical expenses of the child.

(7) “Net child care costs” means the reasonable costs of child care incurred by a party due to employment or job search, minus the value of the federal income tax credit for child care.

(8) “Ordinary medical expenses” means unreimbursed medical expenses less than or equal to two hundred fifty dollars per child per year. Expenses include but are not limited to reasonable and necessary costs for orthodontia, dental treatment, asthma treatment, physical therapy, chronic health problems, and professional counseling or psychiatric therapy for diagnosed mental disorders not covered by medical insurance. The schedule of support in R.S. 9:315.19 incorporates ordinary medical expenses.

§ 315.1. Rebuttable presumption; deviation from guidelines by court; stipulations by parties

Actualizada: 
31 de diciembre de 2023

A. The guidelines set forth in this Part are to be used in any proceeding to establish or modify child support filed on or after October 1, 1989. There shall be a rebuttable presumption that the amount of child support obtained by use of the guidelines set forth in this Part is the proper amount of child support.

B. (1) The court may deviate from the guidelines set forth in this Part if their application would not be in the best interest of the child or would be inequitable to the parties. The court shall give specific oral or written reasons for the deviation, including a finding as to the amount of support that would have been required under a mechanical application of the guidelines and the particular facts and circumstances that warranted a deviation from the guidelines. The reasons shall be made part of the record of the proceedings.

(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of Paragraph (1), as a direct result of either Hurricane Katrina or Rita, the court may deviate from the guidelines set forth in this Part if the application of the guidelines would not be in the best interest of the child or would be unjust, inequitable, or cause undue hardship to the parties. In determining the amount of the child support, the court may also consider that the parties may have been prevented from timely access to the courts for the exercise of their legal rights. However, the amount of the deviation shall not exceed the consideration the court would have given if the party were able to timely access the court.

C. In determining whether to deviate from the guidelines, the court’s considerations may include:

(1) That the combined adjusted gross income of the parties is equal to or less than nine hundred fifty dollars. In such cases, the court shall determine an amount of child support based on earnings, income, and other evidence of ability to pay.

(2) That the combined adjusted gross income of the parties is not within the amounts shown on the schedule in R.S. 9:315.19. If the combined adjusted gross income of the parties exceeds the highest sum shown on the schedule, the court shall determine an amount of child support as provided in R.S. 9:315.13(B)(1) and may order the placement of a portion of the amount in a trust in accordance with R.S. 9:315.13.

(3) The legal obligation of a party to support dependents who are not the subject of the action before the court and who are in that party’s household.

(4) That in a case involving one or more families, consisting of children none of whom live in the household of the noncustodial or nondomiciliary parent but who have existing child support orders (multiple families), the court may use its discretion in setting the amount of the basic child support obligation.

(5) The extraordinary medical expenses of a party, or extraordinary medical expenses for which a party may be responsible, not otherwise taken into consideration under the guidelines.

(6) An extraordinary community debt of the parties.

(7) The need for immediate and temporary support for a child when a full hearing on the issue of support is pending but cannot be timely held. In such cases, the court at the full hearing shall use the provisions of this Part and may redetermine support without the necessity of a change of circumstances being shown.

(8) The permanent or temporary total disability of a spouse to the extent such disability diminishes his present and future earning capacity, his need to save adequately for uninsurable future medical costs, and other additional costs associated with such disability, such as transportation and mobility costs, medical expenses, and higher insurance premiums.

(9) That support awarded for an adult child with a disability, as defined in R.S. 9:315.22(E), may be a long-term and financially burdensome obligation that warrants the court’s special consideration of the circumstances surrounding the manifestation of the disability and the financial burden imposed on the obligor.

(10) Any other consideration which would make application of the guidelines not in the best interest of the child or children or inequitable to the parties.

D. The court may review and approve a stipulation between the parties entered into after the effective date of this Part as to the amount of child support to be paid. If the court does review the stipulation, the court shall consider the guidelines set forth in this Part to review the adequacy of the stipulated amount and may require the parties to provide the court with the income statements and documentation required by R.S. 9:315.2.

§ 315.2. Calculation of basic child support obligation

Actualizada: 
31 de diciembre de 2023

A. Each party shall provide to the court a verified income statement showing gross income and adjusted gross income, together with documentation of current and past earnings. Spouses of the parties shall also provide any relevant information with regard to the source of payments of household expenses upon request of the court or the opposing party, provided such request is filed in a reasonable time prior to the hearing. Failure to timely file the request shall not be grounds for a continuance. Suitable documentation of current earnings shall include but not be limited to pay stubs or employer statements. The documentation shall include a copy of the party’s most recent federal tax return. A copy of the statement and documentation shall be provided to the other party. When an obligor has an ownership interest in a business, suitable documentation shall include but is not limited to the last three personal and business state and federal income tax returns, including all attachments and all schedules, specifically Schedule K-1 and W-2 forms, 1099 forms, and amendments, the most recent profit and loss statements, balance sheets, financial statements, quarterly sales tax reports, personal and business bank account statements, receipts, and expenses. A copy of all statements and documentation shall be provided to the other party.

B. If a party is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, his or her gross income shall be determined as set forth in R.S. 9:315.11.

C. The parties shall combine the amounts of their adjusted gross incomes. Each party shall then determine by percentage his or her proportionate share of the combined amount. The amount obtained for each party is his or her percentage share of the combined adjusted gross income.

D. The court shall determine the basic child support obligation amount from the schedule in R.S. 9:315.19 by using the combined adjusted gross income of the parties and the number of children involved in the proceeding, but in no event shall the lowest basic amount of child support in the schedule be construed as a limitation on the court’s authority to deviate under R.S. 9:315.1(C).

E. After the basic child support obligation has been established, the total child support obligation shall be determined as hereinafter provided in this Part.

§ 315.8. Calculation of total child support obligation; worksheet

Actualizada: 
31 de diciembre de 2023

A. The total child support obligation shall be determined by adding together the basic child support obligation amount, the net child care costs, the cost of health insurance premiums, extraordinary medical expenses, and other extraordinary expenses.

B. A deduction, if any, for income of the child shall then be subtracted from the amount calculated in Subsection A. The remaining amount is the total child support obligation.

C. Each party’s share of the total child support obligation shall then be determined by multiplying his or her percentage share of combined adjusted gross income times the total child support obligation.

D. The party without legal custody or nondomiciliary party shall owe his or her total child support obligation as a money judgment of child support to the custodial or domiciliary party, minus any court-ordered direct payments made on behalf of the child for work-related net child care costs, health insurance premiums, extraordinary medical expenses, or extraordinary expenses provided as adjustments to the schedule.

E. “Joint Custody” means a joint custody order that is not shared custody as defined in R.S. 9:315.9.

(1) In cases of joint custody, the court shall consider the period of time spent by the child with the nondomiciliary party as a basis for adjustment to the amount of child support to be paid during that period of time.

(2) If under a joint custody order, the person ordered to pay child support has physical custody of the child for more than seventy-three days, the court may order a credit to the child support obligation. A day for the purposes of this Paragraph shall be determined by the court; however, in no instance shall less than four hours of physical custody of the child constitute a day.

(3) In determining the amount of credit to be given, the court shall consider the following:

(a) The amount of time the child spends with the person to whom the credit would be applied. The court shall include in such consideration the continuing expenses of the domiciliary party.

(b) The increase in financial burden placed on the person to whom the credit would be applied and the decrease in financial burden on the person receiving child support.

(c) The best interests of the child and what is equitable between the parties.

(4) The burden of proof is on the person seeking the credit pursuant to this Subsection.

(5) Worksheet A reproduced in R.S. 9:315.20, or a substantially similar form adopted by local court rule, shall be used to determine child support in accordance with this Subsection.

§ 315.9. Effect of shared custodial arrangement

Actualizada: 
31 de diciembre de 2023

A. (1) “Shared custody” means that each parent has physical custody of the child for an approximately equal amount of time.

(2) If there is a joint custody order or joint plan for implementation providing for shared custody, or if the court finds by a preponderance of the evidence that shared custody exists, the basic child support obligation shall first be multiplied by one and one-half and then divided between the parents in proportion to their respective adjusted gross incomes.

(3) Each parent’s theoretical child support obligation shall then be cross multiplied by the actual percentage of time the child spends with the other party to determine the basic child support obligation based on the amount of time spent with the other party.

(4) Each parent’s proportionate share of work-related net child care costs and extraordinary adjustments to the schedule shall be added to the amount calculated under Paragraph (3) of this Subsection.

(5) Each parent’s proportionate share of any direct payments ordered to be made on behalf of the child for net child care costs, the cost of health insurance premiums, extraordinary medical expenses, or other extraordinary expenses shall be deducted from the amount calculated under Paragraph (3) of this Subsection.

(6) The court shall order each parent to pay his proportionate share of all reasonable and necessary uninsured ordinary medical expenses as defined in R.S. 9:315(C)(8) which are under two hundred fifty dollars.

(7) The parent owing the greater amount of child support shall owe to the other parent the difference between the two amounts as a child support obligation. The amount owed shall not be higher than the amount which that parent would have owed if he or she were a domiciliary parent.

B. Worksheet B reproduced in R.S. 9:315.20, or a substantially similar form adopted by local court rule, shall be used to determine child support in accordance with this Subsection.

§ 315.10. Effect of split custodial arrangement

Actualizada: 
31 de diciembre de 2023

A. (1) “Split custody” means that each party is the sole custodial or domiciliary parent of at least one child to whom support is due. Split custody exists where there is a custody order or joint plan of implementation providing for split custody, or the court finds by a preponderance of the evidence that split custody exists.

(2) If split custody exists as set forth in this Section, each parent shall compute a total child support obligation for the child or children in the custody of the other parent, based on a calculation pursuant to this Section.

(3) The amount determined under Paragraph (2) of this Subsection shall be a theoretical support obligation owed to each parent.

(4) The parent owing the greater amount of child support shall owe to the other parent the difference between the two amounts as a child support obligation.

B. Worksheet A reproduced in R.S. 9:315.20, or a substantially similar form adopted by local court rule, shall be used by each parent to determine child support in accordance with this Section.

Subpart B. Other Child Support Provisions

Actualizada: 
31 de diciembre de 2023

§ 315.22. Termination of child support upon majority or emancipation; exceptions

Actualizada: 
31 de diciembre de 2023

A. When there is a child support award in a specific amount per child, the award for each child shall terminate automatically without any action by the obligor upon each child’s attaining the age of majority, or upon emancipation relieving the child of the disabilities attached to minority.

B. When there is a child support award in globo for two or more children, the award shall terminate automatically and without any action by the obligor when the youngest child for whose benefit the award was made attains the age of majority or is emancipated relieving the child of the disabilities attached to minority.

C. An award of child support continues with respect to any unmarried child who attains the age of majority, or to a child who is emancipated relieving the child of the disabilities attached to minority, as long as the child is a full-time student in good standing in a secondary school or its equivalent, has not attained the age of nineteen, and is dependent upon either parent. Either the primary domiciliary parent or the major or emancipated child is the proper party to enforce an award of child support pursuant to this Subsection.

D. An award of child support continues with respect to any child who has a developmental disability, as defined in R.S. 28:451.2, until he attains the age of twenty-two, as long as the child is a full-time student in a secondary school. The primary domiciliary parent or legal guardian is the proper party to enforce an award of child support pursuant to this Subsection.

E. (1) An award of child support continues or shall be set with respect to any unmarried child who, whether institutionalized or not, is incapable of self-support and requires substantial care and personal supervision because of an intellectual or physical disability that is manifested before the child attains the age of majority. A disability under this Subsection shall not include substance abuse or addiction.

(2) An action under this Subsection may be filed regardless of the age of the child.

(3) Either the major child or his tutor or curator is the proper party to file an action to establish, modify, or enforce an award of child support pursuant to this Subsection.

(4) Except as otherwise provided in this Subsection, the substantive and procedural rights and remedies in an action relating to the establishment, modification, or enforcement of child support orders for minor children apply to an action filed, and to an award of, child support rendered under this Subsection.

(5) The court shall consider the eligibility of the child for public benefits and services and may make orders necessary to promote the best interest of the child, including ordering the creation of a trust and placing the award in trust.

(6) When the Department of Children and Family Services is providing support enforcement services, those services will continue under this Subsection only if the major child or his tutor or curator obtains and submits to the Department, before the child attains the age of majority, a judgment ordering the continuation of support for the child.

Part II. Spousal Support

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

§ 327. Determination of domestic abuse for spousal support

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. In awarding final spousal support pursuant to Civil Code Article 112(B), the court shall consider any criminal conviction of the obligor spouse for an offense committed against the claimant spouse during the course of the marriage.

B. In the absence of a criminal conviction, the court may order an evaluation of both parties that may be used to assist the court in determining the existence and nature of the alleged domestic abuse. The evaluation shall be conducted by an independent, court-appointed, licensed mental health professional who has experience in the field of domestic abuse. The licensed mental health professional shall have no family, financial, or prior medical relationship with either party or their attorneys of record. The licensed mental health professional shall provide the court and the parties with a written report of his findings.

Part III. Child Custody

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

Subpart C. Protective and Remedial Provisions

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

§ 341. Restriction on visitation

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. Whenever the court finds by a preponderance of the evidence that a parent has subjected any of his or her children or stepchildren to family violence, as defined in R.S. 9:362, or domestic abuse, as defined in R.S. 46:2132, has subjected any other household member, as defined in R.S. 46:2132, to a history of family violence as defined in R.S. 9:364(A), or has willingly permitted such abuse to any of his or her children or stepchildren despite having the ability to prevent it, the court shall allow only supervised visitation between the abusive parent and the abused child or children until such parent proves by a preponderance of the evidence at a contradictory hearing that the abusive parent has successfully completed a court-monitored domestic abuse intervention program, as defined in R.S. 9:362, since the last incident of domestic violence or family abuse. At the hearing, the court shall consider evidence of the abusive parent’s current mental health condition and the possibility the abusive parent will again subject his children. stepchildren, or other household member to family violence or domestic abuse, or willingly permit such abuse to any of his or her children or stepchildren despite having the ability to prevent it. The court shall order visitation only if the abusive parent proves by a preponderance of the evidence that visitation would be in the best interest of the child, considering the factors in Civil Code Article 134, and would not cause physical, emotional, or psychological damage to the child. Should visitation be allowed, the court shall order such restrictions, conditions, and safeguards necessary to minimize any risk of harm to the child, including continued supervision. All costs incurred in compliance with the provisions of this Section shall be borne by the abusive parent.

B. Whenever the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that a parent has subjected any of his children, stepchildren, or any household member as defined in R.S. 46:2132, to sexual abuse, as defined in R.S. 14:403, or has willingly permitted such abuse to any of his or her children, stepchildren, or a household member, despite having the ability to prevent the abuse, the court shall prohibit all visitation and contact between the abusive parent and the children until such parent proves by a preponderance of the evidence at a contradictory hearing that he has successfully completed a treatment program designed for such sexual abusers. At the hearing, the court shall consider evidence of the abusive parent’s current mental health condition and the possibility the abusive parent will repeat such conduct in the future. The court shall order visitation only if the abusive parent proves by a preponderance of the evidence that visitation would be in the best interest of the child, and that visitation would not cause physical, emotional, or psychological damage to the child. Should visitation be allowed, the court shall order such restrictions, conditions, and safeguards necessary to minimize any risk of harm to the child, including supervision of the visitation. All costs incurred in compliance with the provisions of this Section shall be the responsibility of the abusive parent.

C. When visitation has been restricted or prohibited by the court pursuant to Subsection A or B of this Section, and the court subsequently authorizes further restricted visitation, the parent whose visitation has been restricted shall not remove the child from the jurisdiction of the court except for good cause shown and with the prior approval of the court.

§ 344. Visitation rights of grandparents and siblings

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. If one of the parties to a marriage dies, is interdicted, or incarcerated, and there is a minor child or children of such marriage, the parents of the deceased, interdicted, or incarcerated party without custody of such minor child or children may have reasonable visitation rights to the child or children of the marriage during their minority, if the court in its discretion finds that such visitation rights would be in the best interest of the child or children.

B. When the parents of a minor child or children live in concubinage and one of the parents dies, or is incarcerated, the parents of the deceased or incarcerated party may have reasonable visitation rights to the child or children during their minority, if the court in its discretion finds that such visitation rights would be in the best interest of the child or children.

C. If one of the parties to a marriage dies or is incarcerated, the siblings of a minor child or children of the marriage may have reasonable visitation rights to such child or children during their minority if the court in its discretion finds that such visitation rights would be in the best interest of the child or children.

D. If the parents of a minor child of the marriage have lived apart for a period of six months, in extraordinary circumstances, the grandparents or siblings of the child may have reasonable visitation rights to the child during his minority, if the court in its discretion finds that such visitation rights would be in the best interest of the child. In determining the best interest of the child the court shall consider the same factors contained in Civil Code Article 136(D). Extraordinary circumstances shall include a determination by a court that a parent is abusing a controlled dangerous substance.

Part IV. Post-Separation Family Violence Relief Act

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

§ 366. Injunctions

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. All separation, divorce, child custody, and child visitation orders and judgments in family violence cases shall contain an injunction as defined in R.S. 9:362. Upon issuance of such injunction, the judge shall cause to have prepared a Uniform Abuse Prevention Order as provided in R.S. 46:2136.2(C), shall sign such order, and shall immediately forward it to the clerk of court for filing on the day that the order is issued. The clerk of the issuing court shall transmit the Uniform Abuse Prevention Order to the Judicial Administrator’s Office, Louisiana Supreme Court, for entry into the Louisiana Protective Order Registry, as provided in R.S. 46:2136.2(A), by facsimile transmission or direct electronic input as expeditiously as possible, but no later than the end of the next business day after the order is filed with the clerk of court. The clerk of the issuing court shall also send a copy of the Uniform Abuse Prevention Order, as provided in R.S. 46:2136.2(C), or any modification thereof, to the chief law enforcement officer of the parish where the person or persons protected by the order reside by facsimile transmission or direct electronic input as expeditiously as possible, but no later than the end of the next business day after the order is filed with the clerk of court. A copy of the Uniform Abuse Prevention Order shall be retained on file in the office of the chief law enforcement officer until otherwise directed by the court.

B. Any violation of the injunction, if proved by the appropriate standard, shall be punished as contempt of court, and shall result in a termination of all court-ordered child visitation.

§ 362. Definitions

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

As used in this Part:

(1) “Abused parent” means the parent who has not committed family violence.

(2) “Court” means any district court, juvenile court, or family court having jurisdiction over the parents and/or child at issue.

(3) “Court-monitored domestic abuse intervention program” means a program, comprised of a minimum of twenty-six in-person sessions, that follows a model designed specifically for perpetrators of domestic abuse. The offender’s progress in the program shall be monitored by the court. The provider of the program shall have all of the following:

(a) Experience in working directly with perpetrators and victims of domestic abuse.

(b) Experience in facilitating batterer intervention groups.

(c) Training in the causes and dynamics of domestic violence, characteristics of batterers, victim safety, and sensitivity to victims.

(4) “Family violence” includes but is not limited to physical or sexual abuse and any offense against the person as defined in the Criminal Code of Louisiana, except negligent injuring and defamation, committed by one parent against the other parent or against any of the children. Family violence does not include reasonable acts of self-defense utilized by one parent to protect himself or herself or a child in the family from the family violence of the other parent.

(5) “Injunction” means a temporary restraining order or a preliminary or a permanent court ordered injunction, as defined in the Code of Civil Procedure, which prohibits the violent parent from in any way contacting the abused parent or the children except for specific purposes set forth in the injunction, which shall be limited to communications expressly dealing with the education, health, and welfare of the children, or for any other purpose expressly agreed to by the abused parent. All such injunctions shall prohibit the violent parent, without the express consent of the abused parent, from intentionally going within fifty yards of the home, school, place of employment, or person of the abused parent and the children, or within fifty feet of any of their automobiles, except as may otherwise be necessary for court ordered visitation or except as otherwise necessitated by circumstances considering the proximity of the parties’ residences or places of employment. Such injunctions shall be issued in the form of a Uniform Abuse Prevention Order and transmitted to the Louisiana Protective Order Registry, as required by this Part.

(6) “Sexual abuse” includes but is not limited to acts which are prohibited by R.S. 14:41, 42, 42.1, 43, 43.1, 43.2, 43.4, 78, 80, 81, 81.1, 81.2, 89 and 89.1.

(7) “Supervised visitation” means face-to-face contact between a parent and a child which occurs in the immediate presence of a supervising person approved by the court under conditions which prevent any physical abuse, threats, intimidation, abduction, or humiliation of either the abused parent or the child. The supervising person shall not be any relative, friend, therapist, or associate of the parent perpetrating family violence. With the consent of the abused parent, the supervising person may be a family member or friend of the abused parent. At the request of the abused parent, the court may order that the supervising person shall be a police officer or other competent professional. The parent who perpetrated family violence shall pay any and all costs incurred in the supervision of visitation. In no case shall supervised visitation be overnight or in the home of the violent parent.

§ 364. Child custody; visitation

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. There is created a presumption that no parent who has a history of perpetrating family violence, as defined in R.S. 9:362, or domestic abuse, as defined in R.S. 46:2132, or has subjected any of his or her children, stepchildren, or any household member, as defined in R.S. 46:2132, to sexual abuse, as defined in R.S. 14:403, or has willingly permitted another to abuse any of his children or stepchildren, despite having the ability to prevent the abuse, shall be awarded sole or joint custody of children. The court may find a history of perpetrating family violence if the court finds that one incident of family violence has resulted in serious bodily injury or the court finds more than one incident of family violence.

B. The presumption shall be overcome only if the court finds all of the following by a preponderance of the evidence:

(1) The perpetrating parent has successfully completed a court-monitored domestic abuse intervention program as defined in R.S. 9:362, or a treatment program designed for sexual abusers, after the last instance of abuse.

(2) The perpetrating parent is not abusing alcohol or using illegal substances scheduled in R.S. 40:964.

(3) The best interest of the child or children, considering the factors listed in Civil Code Article 134, requires the perpetrating parent’s participation as a custodial parent because of the other parent’s absence, mental illness, substance abuse, or other circumstance negatively affecting the child or children.

C. The fact that the abused parent suffers from the effects of the abuse shall not be grounds for denying that parent custody.

D. If the court finds that both parents have a history of perpetrating family violence, custody shall be awarded solely to the parent who is less likely to continue to perpetrate family violence. In such a case, the court shall mandate completion of a court-monitored domestic abuse intervention program by the custodial parent. If necessary to protect the welfare of the child, custody may be awarded to a suitable third person pursuant to Civil Code Article 133, provided that the person would not allow access to a violent parent except as ordered by the court.

E. If the court finds that a parent has a history of perpetrating family violence, the court shall allow only supervised child visitation with that parent pursuant to R.S. 9:341.

F. If any court finds, by clear and convincing evidence, that a parent has sexually abused his or her child or children, the court shall prohibit all visitation and contact between the abusive parent and the children pursuant to R.S. 9:341.

Part V. Injunctions and Incidental Orders

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

§ 372. Injunction against abuse; form; central registry

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. In a proceeding for divorce, a court may grant an injunction prohibiting a spouse from physically or sexually abusing the other spouse or a child of either of the parties.

B. Immediately upon rendering a decision granting relief provided in Subsection A of this Section, the judge shall cause to have prepared a Uniform Abuse Prevention Order, as provided in R.S. 46:2136.2(C), shall sign such order, and shall immediately forward it to the clerk of court for filing on the day that the order is issued.

C. The clerk of the issuing court shall transmit the Uniform Abuse Prevention Order to the Judicial Administrator’s Office, Louisiana Supreme Court, for entry into the Louisiana Protective Order Registry, as provided in R.S. 46:2136.2(A), by facsimile transmission or direct electronic input as expeditiously as possible, but no later than the end of the next business day after the order is filed with the clerk of court. The clerk of the issuing court shall also send a copy of the Uniform Abuse Prevention Order, as provided in R.S. 46:2136.2(C), or any modification thereof, to the chief law enforcement officer of the parish where the person or persons protected by the order reside by facsimile transmission or direct electronic input as expeditiously as possible, but no later than the end of the next business day after the order is filed with the clerk of court. A copy of the Uniform Abuse Prevention Order shall be retained on file in the office of the chief law enforcement officer until otherwise directed by the court.

§ 372.1. Injunction against harassment

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

In a proceeding for divorce, a court may grant an injunction prohibiting a spouse from harassing the other spouse.

Title VIII. Of Minors, of Their Tutorship and Emancipation

Actualizada: 
31 de diciembre de 2023

Chapter 2. Emancipation

Actualizada: 
31 de diciembre de 2023

Art. 366. Judicial emancipation

Actualizada: 
31 de diciembre de 2023

A court may order for good cause the full or limited emancipation of a minor sixteen years of age or older. Full judicial emancipation confers all effects of majority on the person emancipated, unless otherwise provided by law. Limited judicial emancipation confers the effects of majority specified in the judgment of limited emancipation, unless otherwise provided by law.

Art. 367. Emancipation by marriage

Actualizada: 
31 de diciembre de 2023

A minor sixteen or seventeen years of age is fully emancipated by marriage. Termination of the marriage does not affect emancipation by marriage. Emancipation by marriage may not be modified or terminated.

Art. 368. Limited emancipation by authentic act

Actualizada: 
31 de diciembre de 2023

An authentic act of limited emancipation confers upon a minor age sixteen or older the capacity to make the kinds of juridical acts specified therein, unless otherwise provided by law. The act shall be executed by the minor, and by the parents of the minor, if parental authority exists, or by the tutor of the minor, if parental authority does not exist. All other effects of minority shall continue.

Code Book III. Of the Different Modes of Acquiring the Ownership of Things

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

Code Title IX. Of Lease

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

Chapter 1. Leases

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

Part VI. Obligations and Rights of the Lessee

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

§ 3261.1. Lease agreements for certain residential dwellings; domestic abuse victims

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. This Section shall apply only to a lease agreement for a residential dwelling within a building or structure consisting of six or more separate residential dwellings. The provisions of this Section shall not apply when the structure consists of ten or fewer units and one of the units is occupied by the owner or lessor.

B. Definitions

(1) “Accommodation” means the granting by the lessor to a domestic abuse victim the right to execute, renew, or terminate a lease, as applicable under the circumstances, pursuant to the requirements of this Section.

(2) “Domestic abuse” means domestic abuse battery as defined in R.S. 14:35.3 provided that the domestic abuse was committed on the leased premises.

(3) “Domestic abuse offender” means a lessee or household member who has been named as a defendant in a Uniform Abuse Prevention Order or has been identified as a perpetrator of domestic abuse in a Certification of Domestic Abuse.

(4) “Domestic abuse victim” means a lessee or household member who has been named as a petitioner in a Uniform Abuse Prevention Order or has completed a Certification of Domestic Abuse.

(5) “Household member” means a household member as defined in R.S. 14:35.3.

(6) “Qualified third party” means the executive director, program director, or another employee of a community-based shelter contracted with the Department of Children and Family Services pursuant to R.S. 46:2124, provided the employee is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or possesses a masters degree in Social Work (MSW).

(7) “Reasonable documentation” shall be exclusively confined to mean any of the following documents:

(a) A completed Certification of Domestic Abuse form as set forth in this Section, signed under oath by a qualified third party as defined in this Section.

(b) A Uniform Abuse Prevention Order.

C. (1) No lease agreement shall:

(a) Limit the lessee’s right to summon, or any other person’s right to summon, a law enforcement officer or other emergency assistance in response to an emergency or following an incident of domestic abuse on the leased premises.

(b) Assess monetary penalties or other penalties under the lease for the lessee summoning, or for any other person summoning, a law enforcement officer or other emergency assistance in response to an emergency or following an incident of domestic abuse on the leased premises.

(2) A lease provision prohibited under this Subsection shall be null, void, and unenforceable.

D. (1) A lessor shall not:

(a) Refuse to enter into the lease agreement solely on the basis that an applicant, or that applicant’s household member, is or has been a victim of domestic abuse, or, except as provided by Subparagraph (b) of this Paragraph, on the basis of activity directly related to domestic abuse, if that applicant provides reasonable documentation and otherwise qualifies to enter into a lease agreement. The provisions of this Subparagraph shall not apply to an applicant who has previously been evicted by the lessor for any reason.

(b) Terminate the lease agreement, fail to renew the lease agreement, or issue an eviction notice or notice to vacate on the basis that an act of domestic abuse or activity directly related to domestic abuse has occurred on the leased premises and the victim is a lessee or a lessee’s household member. However, if the continued presence of a domestic abuse offender in, or in close proximity to, the lessee’s residential dwelling or apartment results in one or more additional violent disturbances or altercations and those disturbances or altercations pose a threat to the safety or peaceable possession of the premises by the lessee or other residents, then the lessor may evict the lessee, even if the presence of the domestic abuse offender is uninvited or unwelcome by the lessee. In such evictions, at the lessor’s sole discretion, the lessor may permit the lessee to relocate to a different residential dwelling or apartment, provided that another residential dwelling or apartment is available and the lessee otherwise meets the lessor’s qualification standards.

(2) An applicant, lessee, or any household member of an applicant or lessee who is or was the victim of domestic abuse, and who seeks protection under this Section, shall produce to the lessor reasonable documentation of the domestic abuse on or before the date of the lease application, lease termination, lease nonrenewal, or before the judgment or order of eviction is rendered. Failure of the applicant, lessee, or household member of any applicant or lessee to timely produce such reasonable documentation shall preclude and act as a complete bar to that applicant, lessee, or household member asserting claims or causes of action against the lessor for violation of this Subsection.

(3)(a) A lessor who has not yet been given reasonable documentation of the abuse by the lessee and who issues an eviction notice or a notice to vacate to any lessee for any reason allowed under an existing lease agreement, including damage to leased premises, shall not be penalized under this Section.

(b) However, if the sole reason the eviction notice or notice to vacate was issued was a single act of domestic abuse and not an additional act of domestic abuse under Paragraph (D)(1), no breach of the lease has been alleged, and the lessor receives reasonable documentation of domestic abuse before the judgment or order of eviction is rendered, then the lessor shall rescind the eviction notice or notice to vacate.

E. Only a lessee or a household member of the lessee’s residential dwelling unit may be considered a domestic abuse victim such that the lessee may request an accommodation under this Section. In order for a lessee to receive an early termination as provided in this Section, the lessee shall do all of the following:

(1) Assert in writing to the lessor that the lessee, or the lessee’s household member, is a domestic abuse victim and that the lessee seeks the particular accommodation afforded under Subsection F of this Section.

(2) Provide to the lessor reasonable documentation that the lessee seeking an accommodation, or that lessee’s household member, was a victim of an act of domestic abuse on the leased premises within the past thirty days.

(3) Assert in writing that the lessee seeking the accommodation will not knowingly voluntarily permit the domestic abuse offender further access to, visitation on, or occupancy of the lessee’s residential dwelling unit and acknowledging that any violation of this Section may result in eviction or termination of the lease.

(4) Otherwise meet or agree to fulfill all requirements of a lessee under the lease agreement.

(5) If requested by the lessor, provide in writing the name and address of the person named as the defendant, perpetrator or abuser in a Uniform Abuse Prevention Order or Certification of Domestic Abuse form.

F. If a lessee fulfills all of the requirements of Subsection E of this Section, the lessor shall grant the lessee the requested early termination of the lease, as provided by this Subsection:

(1) If the lessee requests early termination of the lease agreement, the lessor shall terminate the lease agreement as a matter of law on a mutually agreed-upon date within thirty days of the written request for accommodation. The lessee requesting the accommodation shall vacate the residential dwelling by that date to avoid liability for future rent.

(2) In such cases, the lessee requesting the accommodation is liable only for rent paid through the early termination date of the lease and any previous obligations to the lessor outstanding on that date. The amount due from the lessee shall be paid to the lessor on or before the date the lessee vacates the dwelling. The lessor may withhold the lessee’s security deposit only for any reason permitted under R.S. 9:3251. If the lessee or an additional lessee is a domestic abuse offender named on reasonable documentation presented to the lessor in a lessee’s request for an accommodation under this Section, the lessor shall be entitled to an immediate eviction of the domestic abuse offender upon presenting the court with reasonable documentation of the abuse.

(3) When there are multiple lessees who are parties to a lease agreement for which the accommodation of early termination is requested by one or more lessees, and upon the lessee’s timely providing to the lessor reasonable documentation of the abuse as required in this Section, the entire lease shall terminate on the mutually agreed-upon date, and the lessor shall be entitled to an immediate eviction of all lessees upon presenting the court with reasonable documentation of the abuse.

G. Nothing in this Section shall be construed to limit a lessor’s right to refuse to enter into a lease agreement, terminate a lease agreement, fail to renew a lease agreement, or issue an eviction notice or notice to vacate to a lessee or tenants pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure Article 4701 et seq., for actions unrelated to the act of domestic abuse. Further, a lessor shall be entitled to an immediate eviction of the domestic abuse offender upon presenting the court with reasonable documentation of the abuse, and nothing in this Section shall limit a lessee’s obligation as required by a lease agreement between the lessor and lessee.

H. A Certification of Domestic Abuse form as provided for in this Section shall read substantially the same as follows:

(Name of qualified third party and, if applicable, the name of their shelter, office or agency)

I and/or my (family or household member) have suffered domestic abuse as defined in R.S. 9:3261.1.

Briefly describe the incident giving rise to the claim of domestic abuse:

The incident(s) that I rely on in support of this declaration occurred on the following date(s) and time(s): ________ and at the following location(s): ________.

The incident(s) that I rely on in support of this declaration was/were committed by the following person(s), if known: ________.

I state under penalty of perjury under the laws of the state of Louisiana that the foregoing is true and correct. By submitting this statement I do not waive any legally recognized privilege protecting any communications that I may have with the agency or representative whose name appears below or with any other person or entity. I understand that my obligation to pay rent does not end until the early termination date of my lease as decided by the lessor or until I vacate the premises upon receiving agreement by the lessor to terminate my obligations under the lease early. I understand that my lessor may keep my security deposit or other amounts as permitted under law.

Dated at __________, Louisiana, __________ this day of ___ 20___.

(Signature of Lessee or Lessee’s family or household member)

PRINTED NAME

I verify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the state of Louisiana that I have provided services to the person whose signature appears above and that, based on information communicated to me by the person whose signature appears above, the individual or his or her family or household member has suffered domestic abuse as defined by R.S. 9:3261.1, and that the individual informed me of the name of the alleged perpetrator of the actions, giving rise to the claim, if known. This verification does not waive any legally recognized privilege that I, my agency, or any of its representatives have with the person whose signature appears above.

Dated this ________ of __________, 20___.

(Signature of qualified third party)

PRINTED NAME

(License number or organizational tax identification number)

(Organization name)

(Printed address)

I. A civil action for enforcement of rights granted pursuant to this Section may be commenced in state district court by a domestic abuse victim within one year of an alleged violation of this Section. In the civil action, the court may only grant as relief any permanent or temporary injunction, temporary restraining order, or other similar order, as the court deems appropriate.

J. Upon motion of the defendant or upon the court’s own motion, if the court determines that a civil action brought under this Section is frivolous, the court shall award appropriate sanctions pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure Article 863.

K. No civil action may be commenced under this Section if the plaintiff or the plaintiff’s household member has knowingly voluntarily permitted the domestic abuse offender access to, visitation on, or occupancy of the lessee’s residential dwelling unit at any time after having requested an accommodation from the lessor under this Section.

L. Notwithstanding 24 Code of Federal Regulations Part 5.2011 and any other provision of law to the contrary, the provisions of this Section shall not supersede 24 CFR Part 5 Subpart L, as amended from time to time, including the programs provided for in 24 CFR Part 5.2009.

M. Lessors or owners of residential dwellings who institute eviction proceedings against domestic abuse offenders under this Section shall be immune from any and all lawsuits, claims, demands, or causes of action filed by or on behalf of domestic abuse offenders for wrongful eviction, breach of contract, termination of the lease in violation of this Section, discrimination under state or federal law, or any other claims or causes of actions arising in any way out of the eviction.

§ 3261.2. Lease agreements for certain residential dwellings; sexual assault victims

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

(1) “Sexual assault” means any nonconsensual sexual contact including but not limited to any act provided in R.S. 15:541(24). Sexual assault also means obscenity, as provided in R.S. 14:106, or voyeurism, as provided in R.S. 14:283.1, provided that the obscenity or voyeurism occurred on the leased premises.

(2) “Sexual assault victim” means a victim of sexual assault as defined in R.S. 46:1842(17).

(3) “Reasonable documentation” shall be exclusively confined to mean any of the following documents:

(a) A completed certification of sexual assault as set forth in this Section, signed under oath by a qualified third-party as defined in this Section.

(b) A Uniform Abuse Prevention Order.

(4) “Qualified third party” means a program director of a sexual assault center as defined in R.S. 46:2187(2), a sexual assault advocate as defined in R.S. 46:2186(C), provided the advocate is a licensed clinical social worker or licensed professional counselor, any healthcare provider that conducted a forensic medical examination as defined in R.S. 15:622(2), or a prosecuting attorney or investigating law enforcement officer who has personal involvement in the investigation or prosecution of any criminal case relative to the sexual assault.

B. In order for a lessee to receive an early termination as provided in this Section, the lessee shall do all of the following:

(1) Assert in writing to the lessor that the lessee is a victim of sexual assault and that the lessee seeks early termination under Subsection C of this Section.

(2) Provide to the lessor reasonable documentation that the lessee seeking an early termination was a victim of an act of sexual assault in Louisiana within the past sixty days, provided that the sexual assault occurred after the execution of the lease agreement. If the sexual assault did not occur on the leased premises, then the lessee shall give a declaration of why continuing to reside in the leased premises may pose a threat to the victim’s safety in the certification provided in Subsection D of this Section.

(3) Assert in writing that the lessee will not knowingly and voluntarily permit the sexual offender further access to, visitation on, or occupancy of the lessee’s residential dwelling unit and acknowledging that any violation of this Section may result in eviction or termination of the lease.

(4) Otherwise meet or agree to fulfill all requirements of a lessee under the lease agreement.

C. If a lessee fulfills all the requirements of Subsection D of this Section, the lessor shall grant the lessee the requested early termination of the lease, as provided by this Subsection.

(1) If the lessee requests early termination of the lease agreement, the lessor shall terminate the lease agreement as a matter of law on a mutually agreed-upon date within thirty days of the written request for early termination. The lessee requesting the early termination shall vacate the residential dwelling by the date to avoid liability for future rent.

(2) In such cases, the lessee requesting the early termination is liable only for rent paid through the early termination date of the lease and any previous obligations to the lessor outstanding on that date. The amount due from the lessee shall be paid to the lessor on or before the date the lessee vacates the dwelling. The lessor may withhold the lessee’s security deposit only for any reason permitted under R.S. 9:3251. If the lessee or an additional lessee is a sexual assault offender named on reasonable documentation presented to the lessor, the lessor shall be entitled to an immediate eviction of the sexual assault offender upon presenting the court with reasonable documentation of the assault.

(3) When there are multiple lessees who are parties to a lease agreement for which the accommodation of early termination is requested by one or more lessees, and upon the lessee’s timely providing to the lessor reasonable documentation of the sexual assault as required in this Section, the entire lease shall terminate on the mutually agreed-upon date, and the lessor shall be entitled to an immediate eviction of all lessees upon presenting the court with reasonable documentation of the sexual assault. If the lessee or an additional lessee is a sexual assault offender named on the reasonable documentation presented to the lessor, then the lessor shall be entitled to an immediate eviction of the sexual assault offender upon presenting the court with reasonable documentation of the assault. Lessors shall be immune from any and all lawsuits, claims, demands, or causes of action filed by or on behalf of lessees.

D. A certification of sexual assault form as provided by this Section shall read substantially the same as follows:

(Name of qualified third party and, if applicable, the name of their sexual assault center, office, or agency)

I have suffered sexual assault as defined in La. R.S. 9:3261.2.

Briefly describe the incident giving rise to the claim of sexual assault:

The incident(s) that I rely on in support of this declaration occurred on the following date(s) and time(s): and at the following location(s):

.

The incident(s) that I rely on in support of this declaration was/were committed by the following person(s) (if known):.

I state under the penalties provided in La. R.S. 14:125 that the foregoing is true and correct. By submitting this statement, I do not waive any legally recognized privilege protecting any communications that I have with the agency or representative whose name appears below or with any other person or entity. I understand that my obligation to pay rent does not end until the early termination date of my lease as decided by the lessor or until I vacate the premises upon receiving agreement by the lessor to terminate my obligations under the lease early.

Dated at , Louisiana, thisdayof20.

Signature of Lessee

I verify under the penalties provided in La. R.S. 14:125 that I have provided services to the person whose signature appears above and that, based on information communicated to me by the person whose signature appears above, the individual has suffered sexual assault as defined by La. R.S. 9:3261.2, and that the individual informed me of the name of the alleged perpetrator of the actions (if known), giving rise to the claim, if known. This verification does not waive any legally recognized privilege that I, my agency, or any of its representatives have with the person whose signature appears above.

Dated this day of of, 20.

(Signature of qualified third party)

PRINTED NAME

(License number or organizational tax identification number)

(Organization name)

(Printed address)

E. The provisions of this Section may not be waived or modified by the agreement of the parties under any circumstances.

Title 13. Courts and Judicial Procedure

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

Chapter 23. Judgments

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

Part III. Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

§ 4245. Fees

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

Fees for filing and enforcing a foreign judgment shall be as provided by law.

§ 4248. Foreign protective orders

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. A copy of any foreign protective order authenticated in accordance with an act of congress or the statutes of this state may be annexed to and filed with an ex parte petition praying that the protective order be made executory in this state. The address of the petitioner may remain confidential with the court.

B. At an ex parte hearing, the court shall make the protective order executory in this state, cause to have prepared a Uniform Abuse Prevention Order, as provided in R.S. 46:2136.2(C), shall sign such order, and shall forward it to the clerk of court for filing, all without delay.

C. The clerk of the issuing court shall transmit the order to the Louisiana Protective Order Registry, R.S. 46:2136.2(A), by facsimile transmission, mail, or direct electronic input, where available. The order shall be mailed and transmitted as expeditiously as possible, but no later than the end of the next business day after the order is filed with the clerk of court.

Chapter 32. Particular Classes of Actions and Cases

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

Part XVIII. Small Claims Procedures

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

§ 5202. Jurisdiction

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. A small claims division shall be a court not of record and shall have civil subject matter jurisdiction in cases where the amount in dispute does not exceed five thousand dollars, exclusive of interest, court costs, attorney fees, or penalties, whether provided by agreement or by law, provided that not more than ten parties plaintiff shall be joined in the same action pursuant to Article 463 of the Code of Civil Procedure and that there shall be no class certification pursuant to Articles 591 through 597 of the Code of Civil Procedure.

B. A small claims division shall have authority to grant any appropriate relief, including money damages and equitable relief. Injunctions and restraining orders shall not issue from a small claims division, except to arrest the execution of its own writ. Class actions, summary proceedings, and executory proceedings shall be prohibited.

C. The judges and clerks of the respective courts shall serve as the judges and clerks of the small claims divisions, except that an attorney appointed by the judges may serve as arbitrator as hereinafter provided.

D. Each court may by court rule establish mass filing limitations on all parties filing claims in the small claims divisions.E. In the City Court of East St. Tammany, the small claims division shall have civil subject matter jurisdiction in cases where the amount in dispute is the same as the amount established for civil jurisdiction in a justice of the peace court, exclusive of interest, court costs, attorney fees, or penalties, whether provided by agreement or by law, provided that not more than ten parties plaintiff shall be joined in the same action pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure Article 463, and there shall be no class certification pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure Articles 591 through 597.

Title 14. Criminal Law

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

Chapter 1. Criminal Code

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

Part I. General Provisions

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

Subpart A. Preliminary Provisions

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

§ 2. Definitions

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. In this Code the terms enumerated shall have the designated meanings:

(1) “Another” refers to any other person or legal entity, including the state of Louisiana or any subdivision thereof.

(2) “Anything of value” must be given the broadest possible construction, including any conceivable thing of the slightest value, movable or immovable, corporeal or incorporeal, public or private, and including transportation, telephone and telegraph services, or any other service available for hire. It must be construed in the broad popular sense of the phrase, not necessarily as synonymous with the traditional legal term “property.” In all cases involving shoplifting the term “value” is the actual retail price of the property at the time of the offense.

(3) “Dangerous weapon” includes any gas, liquid or other substance or instrumentality, which, in the manner used, is calculated or likely to produce death or great bodily harm.

(4) “Felony” is any crime for which an offender may be sentenced to death or imprisonment at hard labor.

(5) “Foreseeable” refers to that which ordinarily would be anticipated by a human being of average reasonable intelligence and perception.

(6) “Misdemeanor” is any crime other than a felony.

(7) “Person” includes a human being from the moment of fertilization and implantation and also includes a body of persons, whether incorporated or not.

(8) “Property” refers to both public and private property, movable and immovable, and corporeal and incorporeal property.

(9) “Public officer”, “public office”, “public employee”, or “position of public authority” means and applies to any executive, ministerial, administrative, judicial, or legislative officer, office, employee or position of authority respectively, of the state of Louisiana or any parish, municipality, district, or other political subdivision thereof, or of any agency, board, commission, department, or institution of said state, parish, municipality, district, or other political subdivision.

(10) “State” means the state of Louisiana, or any parish, municipality, district, or other political subdivision thereof, or any agency, board, commission, department, or institution of said state, parish, municipality, district, or other political subdivision.

(11) “Unborn child” means any individual of the human species from fertilization and implantation until birth.

(12) “Whoever” in a penalty clause refers only to natural persons insofar as death or imprisonment is provided, but insofar as a fine may be imposed “whoever” in a penalty clause refers to any person.

B. In this Code, “crime of violence” means an offense that has, as an element, the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force against the person or property of another, and that, by its very nature, involves a substantial risk that physical force against the person or property of another may be used in the course of committing the offense or an offense that involves the possession or use of a dangerous weapon. The following enumerated offenses and attempts to commit any of them are included as “crimes of violence”:

(1) Solicitation for murder.

(2) First degree murder.

(3) Second degree murder.

(4) Manslaughter.

(5) Aggravated battery.

(6) Second degree battery.

(7) Aggravated assault.

(8) Aggravated kidnapping of a child.

(9) Aggravated or first degree rape.

(10) Forcible or second degree rape.

(11) Simple or third degree rape.

(12) Sexual battery.

(13) Second degree sexual battery.

(14) Intentional exposure to AIDS virus.

(15) Aggravated kidnapping.

(16) Second degree kidnapping.

(17) Simple kidnapping.

(18) Aggravated arson.

(19) Aggravated criminal damage to property.

(20) Aggravated burglary.

(21) Armed robbery.

(22) First degree robbery.

(23) Simple robbery.

(24) Purse snatching.

(25) False imprisonment; offender armed with dangerous weapon.

(26) Assault by drive-by shooting.

(27) Aggravated crime against nature.

(28) Carjacking.

(29) Molestation of a juvenile or a person with a physical or mental disability.

(30) Terrorism.

(31) Aggravated second degree battery.

(32) Aggravated assault upon a peace officer.

(33) Aggravated assault with a firearm.

(34) Armed robbery; use of firearm; additional penalty.

(35) Second degree robbery.

(36) Disarming of a peace officer.

(37) Stalking.

(38) Second degree cruelty to juveniles.

(39) Aggravated flight from an officer.

(40) Sexual battery of persons with infirmities.

(41) Battery of a police officer.

(42) Trafficking of children for sexual purposes.

(43) Human trafficking.

(44) Home invasion.

(45) Domestic abuse aggravated assault.

(46) Vehicular homicide, when the operator’s blood alcohol concentration exceeds 0.20 percent by weight based on grams of alcohol per one hundred cubic centimeters of blood.

(47) Aggravated assault upon a dating partner.

(48) Domestic abuse battery punishable under R.S. 14:35.3(L), (M)(2), (N), (O), or (P).

(49) Battery of a dating partner punishable under R.S. 14:34.9(L), (M)(2), (N), (O), or (P).

(50) Violation of a protective order punishable under R.S. 14:79(C).

(51) Criminal abortion.

(52) First degree feticide.

(53) Second degree feticide.

(54) Third degree feticide.

(55) Aggravated abortion by dismemberment.

(56) Battery of emergency room personnel, emergency services personnel, or a healthcare professional.

(57) Possession of a firearm or carrying of a concealed weapon by a person convicted of certain felonies in violation of R.S. 14:95.1(D).

(58) Distribution of fentanyl or carfentanil punishable under R.S. 40:967(B)(4)(f).

(59) Distribution of heroin punishable under R.S. 40:966(B)(3)(b).

(60) Simple burglary of an inhabited dwelling when a person is present in the dwelling, house, apartment, or other structure.

C. For purposes of this Title, “serious bodily injury” means bodily injury which involves unconsciousness; extreme physical pain; protracted and obvious disfigurement; protracted loss or impairment of the function of a bodily member, organ, or mental faculty; or a substantial risk of death. For purposes of R.S. 14:403, “serious bodily injury” shall also include injury resulting from starvation or malnutrition.

Part II. Offenses Against the Person

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

Subpart B. Assault and Battery (with Related Offenses)

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

§ 34.9. Battery of a dating partner

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. Battery of a dating partner is the intentional use of force or violence committed by one dating partner upon the person of another dating partner.

B. For purposes of this Section:

(1) “Burning” means an injury to flesh or skin caused by heat, electricity, friction, radiation, or any other chemical or thermal reaction.

(2) “Court-monitored domestic abuse intervention program” means a program, comprised of a minimum of twenty-six in-person sessions occurring over a minimum of twenty-six weeks, that follows a model designed specifically for perpetrators of domestic abuse. The offender’s progress in the program shall be monitored by the court. The provider of the program shall have all of the following:

(a) Experience in working directly with perpetrators and victims of domestic abuse.

(b) Experience in facilitating batterer intervention groups.

(c) Training in the causes and dynamics of domestic violence, characteristics of batterers, victim safety, and sensitivity to victims.

(3) “Dating partner” means any person who is involved or has been involved in a sexual or intimate relationship with the offender characterized by the expectation of affectionate involvement independent of financial considerations, regardless of whether the person presently lives or formerly lived in the same residence with the offender. “Dating partner” shall not include a casual relationship or ordinary association between persons in a business or social context.

(4) Repealed by Acts 2019, No. 2, § 3.

(5) “Strangulation” means intentionally impeding the normal breathing or circulation of the blood by applying pressure on the throat or neck or by blocking the nose or mouth of the victim.

C. On a first conviction, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the offender shall be fined not less than three hundred dollars nor more than one thousand dollars and shall be imprisoned for not less than thirty days nor more than six months. At least forty-eight hours of the sentence imposed shall be served without benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence. Imposition or execution of the remainder of the sentence shall not be suspended unless either of the following occurs:

(1) The offender is placed on probation with a minimum condition that he serve four days in jail and complete a court-monitored domestic abuse intervention program, and the offender shall not possess a firearm throughout the entirety of the sentence.

(2) The offender is placed on probation with a minimum condition that he perform eight eight-hour days of court-approved community service activities and complete a court-monitored domestic abuse intervention program, and the offender shall not possess a firearm throughout the entirety of the sentence.

D. On a conviction of a second offense, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary and regardless of whether the second offense occurred before or after the first conviction, the offender shall be fined not less than seven hundred fifty dollars nor more than one thousand dollars and shall be imprisoned with or without hard labor for not less than sixty days nor more than one year. At least fourteen days of the sentence imposed shall be served without benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence, and the offender shall be required to complete a court-monitored domestic abuse intervention program. Imposition or execution of the remainder of the sentence shall not be suspended unless either of the following occurs:

(1) The offender is placed on probation with a minimum condition that he serve thirty days in jail and complete a court-monitored domestic abuse intervention program, and the offender shall not possess a firearm throughout the entirety of the sentence.

(2) The offender is placed on probation with a minimum condition that he perform thirty eight-hour days of court-approved community service activities and complete a court-monitored domestic abuse intervention program, and the offender shall not possess a firearm throughout the entirety of the sentence.

E. On a conviction of a third offense, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary and regardless of whether the offense occurred before or after an earlier conviction, the offender shall be imprisoned with or without hard labor for not less than one year nor more than five years and shall be fined two thousand dollars. The first year of the sentence of imprisonment shall be imposed without benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence.

F. (1) Except as otherwise provided in Paragraph (2) of this Subsection, on a conviction of a fourth or subsequent offense, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary and regardless of whether the fourth offense occurred before or after an earlier conviction, the offender shall be imprisoned with hard labor for not less than ten years nor more than thirty years and shall be fined five thousand dollars. The first three years of the sentence of imprisonment shall be imposed without benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence.

(2) If the offender has previously received the benefit of suspension of sentence, probation, or parole as a fourth or subsequent offender, no part of the sentence may be imposed with benefit of suspension of sentence, probation, or parole, and no portion of the sentence shall be imposed concurrently with the remaining balance of any sentence to be served for a prior conviction for any offense.

G. (1) For purposes of determining whether an offender has a prior conviction for violation of this Section, a conviction under this Section, or a conviction under the laws of any state or an ordinance of a municipality, town, or similar political subdivision of another state which prohibits the intentional use of force or violence committed by one household member, family member, or dating partner upon another household member, family member, or dating partner shall constitute a prior conviction.

(2) For purposes of this Section, a prior conviction shall not include a conviction for an offense under this Section if the date of completion of sentence, probation, parole, or suspension of sentence is more than ten years prior to the commission of the crime with which the offender is charged, and such conviction shall not be considered in the assessment of penalties hereunder. However, periods of time during which the offender was incarcerated in a penal institution in this or any other state shall be excluded in computing the ten-year period.

H. An offender ordered to complete a court-monitored domestic abuse intervention program required by the provisions of this Section shall pay the cost incurred by participation in the program. Failure to make such payment shall subject the offender to revocation of probation, unless the court determines that the offender is unable to pay.

I. This Subsection shall be cited as the “Dating Partner Abuse Child Endangerment Law”. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, when the state proves, in addition to the elements of the crime as set forth in Subsection A of this Section, that a minor child thirteen years of age or younger was present at the residence or any other scene at the time of the commission of the offense, the offender, in addition to any other penalties imposed pursuant to this Section, shall be imprisoned at hard labor for not more than three years.

J. Any felony crime of violence, as defined by R.S. 14:2(B), against a person committed by one dating partner against another dating partner, shall be designated as an act of domestic abuse for consideration in any civil or criminal proceeding.

K. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, if the victim of the offense is pregnant and the offender knows that the victim is pregnant at the time of the commission of the offense, the offender, in addition to any other penalties imposed pursuant to this Section, shall be imprisoned at hard labor for not more than three years.

L. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, if the offense involves strangulation, the offender, in addition to any other penalties imposed pursuant to this Section, shall be imprisoned at hard labor for not more than three years.

M. (1) Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, if the offense is committed by burning, the offender, in addition to any other penalties imposed pursuant to this Section, shall be imprisoned at hard labor for not more than three years.

(2) If the burning results in serious bodily injury, the offense shall be classified as a crime of violence, and the offender, in addition to any other penalties imposed pursuant to this Section, shall be imprisoned at hard labor for not less than five nor more than fifty years without benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence.

N. Except as provided in Paragraph (M)(2) and Subsection P of this Section, if the offender intentionally inflicts serious bodily injury, the offender, in addition to any other penalties imposed pursuant to this Section, shall be imprisoned at hard labor for not more than eight years.

O. Except as provided in Subsection P of this Section, if the intentional use of force or violence is committed with a dangerous weapon, the offender, in addition to any other penalties imposed pursuant to this Section, shall be imprisoned at hard labor for not more than ten years.P. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, if the intentional use of force or violence is committed with a dangerous weapon when the offender intentionally inflicts serious bodily injury, the offender, in addition to other penalties imposed pursuant to this Section, shall be imprisoned at hard labor for not more than fifteen years.

§ 34.9.1. Aggravated assault upon a dating partner

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. Aggravated assault upon a dating partner is an assault with a dangerous weapon committed by one dating partner upon another dating partner.

B. For purposes of this Section, “dating partner” means any person who is involved or has been involved in a sexual or intimate relationship with the offender characterized by the expectation of affectionate involvement independent of financial considerations, regardless of whether the person presently lives or formerly lived in the same residence with the offender. “Dating partner” shall not include a casual relationship or ordinary association between persons in a business or social context.

C. Whoever commits the crime of aggravated assault upon a dating partner shall be imprisoned at hard labor for not less than one year nor more than five years and fined not more than five thousand dollars.

D. This Subsection shall be cited as the “Aggravated Assault Upon a Dating Partner Child Endangerment Law”. When the state proves, in addition to the elements of the crime as set forth in Subsection A of this Section, that a minor child thirteen years of age or younger was present at the residence or any other scene at the time of the commission of the offense, the mandatory minimum sentence imposed by the court shall be two years imprisonment at hard labor without benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence.

§ 35.3. Domestic abuse battery

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. Domestic abuse battery is the intentional use of force or violence committed by one household member or family member upon the person of another household member or family member.

B. For purposes of this Section:

(1) “Burning” means an injury to flesh or skin caused by heat, electricity, friction, radiation, or any other chemical or thermal reaction.

(2) “Community service activities” as used in this Section may include duty in any morgue, coroner’s office, or emergency treatment room of a state-operated hospital or other state-operated emergency treatment facility, with the consent of the administrator of the morgue, coroner’s office, hospital, or facility.

(3) “Court-monitored domestic abuse intervention program” means a program, comprised of a minimum of twenty-six in-person sessions occurring over a minimum of twenty-six weeks, that follows a model designed specifically for perpetrators of domestic abuse. The offender’s progress in the program shall be monitored by the court. The provider of the program shall have all of the following:

(a) Experience in working directly with perpetrators and victims of domestic abuse.

(b) Experience in facilitating batterer intervention groups.

(c) Training in the causes and dynamics of domestic violence, characteristics of batterers, victim safety, and sensitivity to victims.

(4) “Family member” means spouses, former spouses, parents, children, stepparents, stepchildren, foster parents, foster children, other ascendants, and other descendants. “Family member” also means the other parent or foster parent of any child or foster child of the offender.

(5) “Household member” means any person presently or formerly living in the same residence with the offender and who is involved or has been involved in a sexual or intimate relationship with the offender, or any child presently or formerly living in the same residence with the offender, or any child of the offender regardless of where the child resides.

(6) Repealed by Acts 2019, No. 2, § 3.

(7) “Strangulation” means intentionally impeding the normal breathing or circulation of the blood by applying pressure on the throat or neck or by blocking the nose or mouth of the victim.

C. On a first conviction, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the offender shall be fined not less than three hundred dollars nor more than one thousand dollars and shall be imprisoned for not less than thirty days nor more than six months. At least forty-eight hours of the sentence imposed shall be served without benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence. Imposition or execution of the remainder of the sentence shall not be suspended unless either of the following occurs:

(1) The offender is placed on probation with a minimum condition that he serve four days in jail and complete a court-monitored domestic abuse intervention program, and the offender shall not own or possess a firearm throughout the entirety of the sentence.

(2) The offender is placed on probation with a minimum condition that he perform eight, eight-hour days of court-approved community service activities and complete a court-monitored domestic abuse intervention program, and the offender shall not own or possess a firearm throughout the entirety of the sentence.

D. On a conviction of a second offense, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, regardless of whether the second offense occurred before or after the first conviction, the offender shall be fined not less than seven hundred fifty dollars nor more than one thousand dollars and shall be imprisoned with or without hard labor for not less than sixty days nor more than one year. At least fourteen days of the sentence imposed shall be served without benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence, and the offender shall be required to complete a court-monitored domestic abuse intervention program. Imposition or execution of the remainder of the sentence shall not be suspended unless either of the following occurs:

(1) The offender is placed on probation with a minimum condition that he serve thirty days in jail and complete a court-monitored domestic abuse intervention program, and the offender shall not own or possess a firearm throughout the entirety of the sentence.

(2) The offender is placed on probation with a minimum condition that he perform thirty eight-hour days of court-approved community service activities and complete a court-monitored domestic abuse intervention program, and the offender shall not own or possess a firearm throughout the entirety of the sentence.

E. On a conviction of a third offense, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary and regardless of whether the offense occurred before or after an earlier conviction, the offender shall be imprisoned with or without hard labor for not less than one year nor more than five years and shall be fined two thousand dollars. The first year of the sentence of imprisonment shall be imposed without benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence.

F. (1) Except as otherwise provided in Paragraph (2) of this Subsection, on a conviction of a fourth or subsequent offense, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary and regardless of whether the fourth offense occurred before or after an earlier conviction, the offender shall be imprisoned with hard labor for not less than ten years nor more than thirty years and shall be fined five thousand dollars. The first three years of the sentence of imprisonment shall be imposed without benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence.

(2) If the offender has previously received the benefit of suspension of sentence, probation, or parole as a fourth or subsequent offender, no part of the sentence may be imposed with benefit of suspension of sentence, probation, or parole, and no portion of the sentence shall be imposed concurrently with the remaining balance of any sentence to be served for a prior conviction for any offense.

G. (1) For purposes of determining whether an offender has a prior conviction for violation of this Section, a conviction under this Section, or a conviction under the laws of any state or an ordinance of a municipality, town, or similar political subdivision of another state which prohibits the intentional use of force or violence committed by one household member, family member, or dating partner upon another household member, family member, or dating partner shall constitute a prior conviction.

(2) For purposes of this Section, a prior conviction shall not include a conviction for an offense under this Section if the date of completion of sentence, probation, parole, or suspension of sentence is more than ten years prior to the commission of the crime with which the offender is charged, and such conviction shall not be considered in the assessment of penalties hereunder. However, periods of time during which the offender was incarcerated in a penal institution in this or any other state shall be excluded in computing the ten-year period.

H. An offender ordered to complete a court-monitored domestic abuse intervention program required by the provisions of this Section shall pay the cost incurred in participation in the program. Failure to make such payment shall subject the offender to revocation of probation, unless the court determines that the offender is unable to pay.

I. This Subsection shall be cited as the “Domestic Abuse Child Endangerment Law”. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, when the state proves, in addition to the elements of the crime as set forth in Subsection A of this Section, that a minor child thirteen years of age or younger was present at the residence or any other scene at the time of the commission of the offense, the offender, in addition to any other penalties imposed pursuant to this Section, shall be imprisoned at hard labor for not more than three years.

J. Any crime of violence, as defined in R.S. 14:2(B), against a person committed by one household member against another household member, shall be designated as an act of domestic abuse for consideration in any civil or criminal proceeding.

K. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, if the victim of domestic abuse battery is pregnant and the offender knows that the victim is pregnant at the time of the commission of the offense, the offender, in addition to any other penalties imposed pursuant to this Section, shall be imprisoned at hard labor for not more than three years.

L. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, if the domestic abuse battery involves strangulation, the offender, in addition to any other penalties imposed pursuant to this Section, shall be imprisoned at hard labor for not more than three years.

M. (1) Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, if the domestic abuse battery is committed by burning, the offender, in addition to any other penalties imposed pursuant to this Section, shall be imprisoned at hard labor for not more than three years.

(2) If the burning results in serious bodily injury, the offense shall be classified as a crime of violence, and the offender, in addition to any other penalties imposed pursuant to this Section, shall be imprisoned at hard labor for not less than five nor more than fifty years without benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence.

N. Except as provided in Paragraph (M)(2) and Subsection P of this Section, if the offender intentionally inflicts serious bodily injury, the offender, in addition to any other penalties imposed pursuant to this Section, shall be imprisoned at hard labor for not more than eight years.

O. Except as provided in Subsection P of this Section, if the intentional use of force or violence is committed with a dangerous weapon, the offender, in addition to any other penalties imposed pursuant to this Section, shall be imprisoned at hard labor for not more than ten years.

P. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, if the intentional use of force or violence is committed with a dangerous weapon when the offender intentionally inflicts serious bodily injury, the offender, in addition to other penalties imposed pursuant to this Section, shall be imprisoned at hard labor for not more than fifteen years.

§ 37.7. Domestic abuse aggravated assault

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. Domestic abuse aggravated assault is an assault with a dangerous weapon committed by one household member or family member upon another household member or family member.

B. For purposes of this Section:

(1) “Family member” means spouses, former spouses, parents, children, stepparents, stepchildren, foster parents, foster children, other ascendants, and other descendants. “Family member” also means the other parent or foster parent of any child or foster child of the offender.

(2) “Household member” means any person presently or formerly living in the same residence with the offender and who is involved or has been involved in a sexual or intimate relationship with the offender, or any child presently or formerly living in the same residence with the offender, or any child of the offender regardless of where the child resides.

C. Whoever commits the crime of domestic abuse aggravated assault shall be imprisoned at hard labor for not less than one year nor more than five years and fined not more than five thousand dollars.

D. This Subsection shall be cited as the “Domestic Abuse Aggravated Assault Child Endangerment Law”. When the state proves, in addition to the elements of the crime as set forth in Subsection A of this Section, that a minor child thirteen years of age or younger was present at the residence or any other scene at the time of the commission of the offense, the mandatory minimum sentence imposed by the court shall be two years imprisonment at hard labor without benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence.

§ 40.2. Stalking

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. Stalking is the intentional and repeated following or harassing of another person that would cause a reasonable person to feel alarmed or to suffer emotional distress. Stalking shall include but not be limited to the intentional and repeated uninvited presence of the perpetrator at another person’s home, workplace, school, or any place which would cause a reasonable person to be alarmed, or to suffer emotional distress as a result of verbal, written, or behaviorally implied threats of death, bodily injury, sexual assault, kidnapping, or any other statutory criminal act to himself or any member of his family or any person with whom he is acquainted.

B. (1)(a) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, on first conviction, whoever commits the crime of stalking shall be fined not less than five hundred dollars nor more than one thousand dollars and shall be imprisoned for not less than thirty days nor more than one year. Notwithstanding any other sentencing provisions, any person convicted of stalking shall undergo a psychiatric evaluation. Imposition of the sentence shall not be suspended unless the offender is placed on probation and participates in a court-approved counseling which could include but shall not be limited to anger management, abusive behavior intervention groups, or any other type of counseling deemed appropriate by the courts.

(b) Whoever commits the crime of stalking against a victim under the age of eighteen when the provisions of Paragraph (6) of this Subsection are not applicable shall be imprisoned for not more than three years, with or without hard labor, and fined not more than two thousand dollars, or both.

(2)(a) Any person who commits the offense of stalking and who is found by the trier of fact, whether the jury at a jury trial, the judge in a bench trial, or the judge at a sentencing hearing following a jury trial, beyond a reasonable doubt to have placed the victim of the stalking in fear of death or bodily injury by the actual use of or the defendant’s having in his possession during the instances which make up the crime of stalking a dangerous weapon or is found beyond a reasonable doubt to have placed the victim in reasonable fear of death or bodily injury, shall be imprisoned for not less than one year nor more than five years, with or without hard labor, without benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence and may be fined one thousand dollars, or both. Whether or not the defendant’s use of or his possession of the dangerous weapon is a crime or, if a crime, whether or not he is charged for that offense separately or in addition to the crime of stalking shall have no bearing or relevance as to the enhanced sentence under the provisions of this Paragraph.

(b) If the victim is under the age of eighteen, and when the provisions of Paragraph (6) of this Subsection are not applicable, the offender shall be imprisoned for not less than two years nor more than five years, with or without hard labor, without benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence and may be fined not less than one thousand nor more than two thousand dollars, or both.

(3) Any person who commits the offense of stalking against a person for whose benefit a protective order, a temporary restraining order, or any lawful order prohibiting contact with the victim issued by a judge or magistrate is in effect in either a civil or criminal proceeding, protecting the victim of the stalking from acts by the offender which otherwise constitute the crime of stalking, shall be punished by imprisonment with or without hard labor for not less than ninety days and not more than two years or fined not more than five thousand dollars, or both.

(4) Upon a second conviction occurring within seven years of a prior conviction for stalking, the offender shall be imprisoned with or without hard labor for not less than five years nor more than twenty years, without benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence, and may be fined not more than five thousand dollars, or both.

(5) Upon a third or subsequent conviction, the offender shall be imprisoned with or without hard labor for not less that ten years and not more than forty years and may be fined not more than five thousand dollars, or both.

(6)(a) Any person thirteen years of age or older who commits the crime of stalking against a child twelve years of age or younger and who is found by the trier of fact, whether the jury at a jury trial, the judge in a bench trial, or the judge at a sentencing hearing following a jury trial, beyond a reasonable doubt to have placed the child in reasonable fear of death or bodily injury, or in reasonable fear of the death or bodily injury of a family member of the child shall be punished by imprisonment with or without hard labor for not less than one year and not more than three years and fined not less than fifteen hundred dollars and not more than five thousand dollars, or both.

(b) Lack of knowledge of the child’s age shall not be a defense.

C. For the purposes of this Section, the following words shall have the following meanings:

(1) “Harassing” means the repeated pattern of verbal communications or nonverbal behavior without invitation which includes but is not limited to making telephone calls, transmitting electronic mail, sending messages via a third party, or sending letters or pictures.

(2) “Pattern of conduct” means a series of acts over a period of time, however short, evidencing an intent to inflict a continuity of emotional distress upon the person. Constitutionally protected activity is not included within the meaning of pattern of conduct.

(3) Repealed by Acts 1993, No. 125, § 2.

D. As used in this Section, when the victim of the stalking is a child twelve years old or younger:

(1) “Pattern of conduct” includes repeated acts of nonconsensual contact involving the victim or a family member.

(2) “Family member” includes:

(a) A child, parent, grandparent, sibling, uncle, aunt, nephew, or niece of the victim, whether related by blood, marriage, or adoption.

(b) A person who lives in the same household as the victim.

(3)(a) “Nonconsensual contact” means any contact with a child twelve years old or younger that is initiated or continued without that child’s consent, that is beyond the scope of the consent provided by that child, or that is in disregard of that child’s expressed desire that the contact be avoided or discontinued.

(b) “Nonconsensual contact” includes:

(i) Following or appearing within the sight of that child.

(ii) Approaching or confronting that child in a public place or on private property.

(iii) Appearing at the residence of that child.

(iv) Entering onto or remaining on property occupied by that child.

(v) Contacting that child by telephone.

(vi) Sending mail or electronic communications to that child.

(vii) Placing an object on, or delivering an object to, property occupied by that child.

(c) “Nonconsensual contact” does not include any otherwise lawful act by a parent, tutor, caretaker, mandatory reporter, or other person having legal custody of the child as those terms are defined in the Louisiana Children’s Code.

(4) “Victim” means the child who is the target of the stalking.

E. Whenever it is deemed appropriate for the protection of the victim, the court may send written notice to any employer of a person convicted for a violation of the provisions of this Section describing the conduct on which the conviction was based.

F. (1)(a) Upon motion of the district attorney or on the court’s own motion, whenever it is deemed appropriate for the protection of the victim, the court may, in addition to any penalties imposed pursuant to the provisions of this Section, grant a protective order which directs the defendant to refrain from abusing, harassing, interfering with the victim or the employment of the victim, or being physically present within a certain distance of the victim.

(b) For any defendant placed on probation for a violation of the provisions of this Section, the court shall, in addition to any penalties imposed pursuant to the provisions of this Section, grant a protective order which directs the defendant to refrain from abusing, harassing, interfering with the victim or the employment of the victim, or being physically present within a certain distance of the victim.

(2) Any protective order granted pursuant to the provisions of this Subsection shall be served on the defendant at the time of sentencing.

(3)(a) The court shall order that the protective order be effective either for an indefinite period of time or for a fixed term which shall not exceed eighteen months.

(b) If the court grants the protective order for an indefinite period of time pursuant to Subparagraph (a) of this Paragraph, after a hearing, on the motion of any party and for good cause shown, the court may modify the indefinite effective period of the protective order to be effective for a fixed term, not to exceed eighteen months, or to terminate the effectiveness of the protective order. A motion to modify or terminate the effectiveness of the protective order may be granted only after a good faith effort has been made to provide reasonable notice of the hearing to the victim, the victim’s designated agent, or the victim’s counsel, and either of the following occur:

(i) The victim, the victim’s designated agent, or the victim’s counsel is present at the hearing or provides written waiver of such appearance.

(ii) After a good faith effort has been made to provide reasonable notice of the hearing, the victim could not be located.

(4)(a) Immediately upon granting a protective order, the court shall cause to have prepared a Uniform Abuse Prevention Order, as provided in R.S. 46:2136.2, shall sign such order, and shall forward it to the clerk of court for filing, without delay.

(b) The clerk of the issuing court shall send a copy of the Uniform Abuse Prevention Order or any modification thereof to the chief law enforcement official of the parish where the victim resides. A copy of the Uniform Abuse Prevention Order shall be retained on file in the office of the chief law enforcement officer as provided in this Subparagraph until otherwise directed by the court.

(c) The clerk of the issuing court shall transmit the Uniform Abuse Prevention Order, or any modification thereof, to the Louisiana Protective Order Registry pursuant to R.S. 46:2136.2, by facsimile transmission, mail, or direct electronic input, where available, as expeditiously as possible, but no later than the end of the next business day after the order is filed with the clerk of court.

(5) If a protective order is issued pursuant to the provisions of this Subsection, the court shall also order that the defendant be prohibited from possessing a firearm for the duration of the Uniform Abuse Prevention Order.

G. (1) Except as provided in Paragraph (2) of this Subsection, the provisions of this Section shall not apply to a private investigator licensed pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 56 of Title 37 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, acting during the course and scope of his employment and performing his duties relative to the conducting of an investigation.

(2) The exception provided in Paragraph (1) of this Subsection does not apply if both of the following conditions apply:

(a) The private investigator was retained by a person who is charged with an offense involving sexual assault as defined by R.S. 46:2184 or who is subject to a temporary restraining order or protective order obtained by a victim of sexual assault pursuant to R.S. 46:2182 et seq.

(b) The private investigator was retained for the purpose of harassing the victim.

H. The provisions of this Section shall not apply to an investigator employed by an authorized insurer regulated pursuant to the provisions of Title 22 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, acting during the course and scope of his employment and performing his duties relative to the conducting of an insurance investigation.

I. The provisions of this Section shall not apply to an investigator employed by an authorized self-insurance group or entity regulated pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 10 of Title 23 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, acting during the course and scope of his employment and performing his duties relative to the conducting of an insurance investigation.

J. A conviction for stalking shall not be subject to expungement as provided for by Title XXXIV of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

§ 40.3. Cyberstalking

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. For the purposes of this Section, the following words shall have the following meanings:

(1) “Electronic communication” means any transfer of signs, signals, writing, images, sounds, data, or intelligence of any nature, transmitted in whole or in part by wire, radio, computer, electromagnetic, photoelectric, or photo-optical system.

(2) “Electronic mail” means the transmission of information or communication by the use of the Internet, a computer, a facsimile machine, a pager, a cellular telephone, a video recorder, or other electronic means sent to a person identified by a unique address or address number and received by that person.

B. Cyberstalking is action of any person to accomplish any of the following:

(1) Use in electronic mail or electronic communication of any words or language threatening to inflict bodily harm to any person or to such person’s child, sibling, spouse, or dependent, or physical injury to the property of any person, or for the purpose of extorting money or other things of value from any person.

(2) Electronically mail or electronically communicate to another repeatedly, whether or not conversation ensues, for the purpose of threatening, terrifying, or harassing any person.

(3) Electronically mail or electronically communicate to another and to knowingly make any false statement concerning death, injury, illness, disfigurement, indecent conduct, or criminal conduct of the person electronically mailed or of any member of the person’s family or household with the intent to threaten, terrify, or harass.

(4) Knowingly permit an electronic communication device under the person’s control to be used for the taking of an action in Paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of this Subsection.

C. (1) Whoever commits the crime of cyberstalking shall be fined not more than two thousand dollars, or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.

(2) Upon a second conviction occurring within seven years of the prior conviction for cyberstalking, the offender shall be imprisoned for not less than one hundred and eighty days and not more than three years, and may be fined not more than five thousand dollars, or both.

(3) Upon a third or subsequent conviction occurring within seven years of a prior conviction for stalking, the offender shall be imprisoned for not less than two years and not more than five years and may be fined not more than five thousand dollars, or both.

(4)(a) In addition, the court shall order that the personal property used in the commission of the offense shall be seized and impounded, and after conviction, sold at public sale or public auction by the district attorney in accordance with R.S. 15:539.1.

(b) The personal property made subject to seizure and sale pursuant to Subparagraph (a) of this Paragraph may include, but shall not be limited to, electronic communication devices, computers, computer related equipment, motor vehicles, photographic equipment used to record or create still or moving visual images of the victim that are recorded on paper, film, video tape, disc, or any other type of digital recording media.

D. Any offense under this Section committed by the use of electronic mail or electronic communication may be deemed to have been committed where the electronic mail or electronic communication was originally sent, originally received, or originally viewed by any person.

E. This Section does not apply to any peaceable, nonviolent, or nonthreatening activity intended to express political views or to provide lawful information to others.

Subpart C. Rape and Sexual Battery

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

§ 41. Rape; defined

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. Rape is the act of anal, oral, or vaginal sexual intercourse with a male or female person committed without the person’s lawful consent.

B. Emission is not necessary, and any sexual penetration, when the rape involves vaginal or anal intercourse, whether the penetration is accomplished using the genitals of the offender or victim or using any instrumentality and however slight, is sufficient to complete the crime.

C. For purposes of this Subpart, “oral sexual intercourse” means the intentional engaging in any of the following acts with another person:

(1) The touching of the anus or genitals of the victim by the offender using the mouth or tongue of the offender.

(2) The touching of the anus or genitals of the offender by the victim using the mouth or tongue of the victim.

D. For purposes of this Subpart, “anal sexual intercourse” and “vaginal sexual intercourse” mean the intentional engaging in any of the following acts with another person:

(1) The penetration of the victim’s anus or vagina by the offender using the genitals of the offender.

(2) The penetration of the offender’s anus or vagina by the victim using the genitals of the victim.

(3) The penetration of the victim’s anus or vagina by the offender using any instrumentality, except that normal medical treatment or normal sanitary care shall not be construed as sexual intercourse under the provisions of this Section.

(4) The penetration of the offender’s anus or vagina by the victim using any instrumentality except that normal medical treatment or normal sanitary care shall not be construed as sexual intercourse under the provisions of this Section.

§ 42. First degree rape

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. First degree rape is a rape committed upon a person sixty-five years of age or older or where the anal, oral, or vaginal sexual intercourse is deemed to be without lawful consent of the victim because it is committed under any one or more of the following circumstances:

(1) When the victim resists the act to the utmost, but whose resistance is overcome by force.

(2) When the victim is prevented from resisting the act by threats of great and immediate bodily harm, accompanied by apparent power of execution.

(3) When the victim is prevented from resisting the act because the offender is armed with a dangerous weapon.

(4) When the victim is under the age of thirteen years. Lack of knowledge of the victim’s age shall not be a defense.

(5) When two or more offenders participated in the act.

(6) When the victim is prevented from resisting the act because the victim is a person with a disability.

(7) When the offender commits the act when engaged in the perpetration or attempted perpetration of any violation of Subsubpart 3 of Subpart A of Part III of this Chapter, relative to burglary offenses.

B. For purposes of Paragraph (A)(5) of this Section, “participate” shall mean:

(1) Commit the act of rape.

(2) Physically assist in the commission of such act.

C. For purposes of this Section, “person with a disability” means a person with a mental, physical, or developmental disability that substantially impairs the person’s ability to provide adequately for his or her own care or protection.

D. (1) Whoever commits the crime of first degree rape shall be punished by life imprisonment at hard labor without benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence.

(2) However, if the victim was under the age of thirteen years, as provided by Paragraph (A)(4) of this Section:

(a) And if the district attorney seeks a capital verdict, the offender shall be punished by death or life imprisonment at hard labor without benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence, in accordance with the determination of the jury. The provisions of Code of Criminal Procedure Article 782 relative to cases in which punishment may be capital shall apply.

(b) And if the district attorney does not seek a capital verdict, the offender shall be punished by life imprisonment at hard labor without benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence. The provisions of Code of Criminal Procedure Article 782 relative to cases in which punishment is necessarily confinement at hard labor shall apply.

E. For all purposes, “aggravated rape” and “first degree rape” mean the offense defined by the provisions of this Section and any reference to the crime of aggravated rape is the same as a reference to the crime of first degree rape. Any act in violation of the provisions of this Section committed on or after August 1, 2015, shall be referred to as “first degree rape”.

§ 42.1. Second degree rape

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. Second degree rape is rape committed when the anal, oral, or vaginal sexual intercourse is deemed to be without the lawful consent of the victim because it is committed under any one or more of the following circumstances:

(1) When the victim is prevented from resisting the act by force or threats of physical violence under circumstances where the victim reasonably believes that such resistance would not prevent the rape.

(2) When the victim is incapable of resisting or of understanding the nature of the act by reason of stupor or abnormal condition of the mind produced by a narcotic or anesthetic agent or other controlled dangerous substance administered by the offender and without the knowledge of the victim.

B. Whoever commits the crime of second degree rape shall be imprisoned at hard labor, without benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence, for not less than five nor more than forty years.

C. For all purposes, “forcible rape” and “second degree rape” mean the offense defined by the provisions of this Section and any reference to the crime of forcible rape is the same as a reference to the crime of second degree rape. Any act in violation of the provisions of this Section committed on or after August 1, 2015, shall be referred to as “second degree rape”.

§ 43. Third degree rape

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. Third degree rape is a rape committed when the anal, oral, or vaginal sexual intercourse is deemed to be without the lawful consent of a victim because it is committed under any one or more of the following circumstances:

(1) When the victim is incapable of resisting or of understanding the nature of the act by reason of a stupor or abnormal condition of mind produced by an intoxicating agent or any cause and the offender knew or should have known of the victim’s incapacity.

(2) When the victim, through unsoundness of mind, is temporarily or permanently incapable of understanding the nature of the act and the offender knew or should have known of the victim’s incapacity.

(3) When the victim submits under the belief that the person committing the act is someone known to the victim, other than the offender, and such belief is intentionally induced by any artifice, pretense, or concealment practiced by the offender.

(4) When the offender acts without the consent of the victim.

B. Whoever commits the crime of third degree rape shall be imprisoned at hard labor, without benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence, for not more than twenty-five years.

C. For all purposes, “simple rape” and “third degree rape” mean the offense defined by the provisions of this Section and any reference to the crime of simple rape is the same as a reference to the crime of third degree rape. Any act in violation of the provisions of this Section committed on or after August 1, 2015, shall be referred to as “third degree rape”.

§ 43.1. Sexual battery

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. Sexual battery is the intentional touching of the anus or genitals of the victim by the offender using any instrumentality or any part of the body of the offender, directly or through clothing, or the touching of the anus or genitals of the offender by the victim using any instrumentality or any part of the body of the victim, directly or through clothing, when any of the following occur:

(1) The offender acts without the consent of the victim.

(2) The victim has not yet attained fifteen years of age and is at least three years younger than the offender.

(3) The offender is seventeen years of age or older and any of the following exist:

(a) The act is without consent of the victim, and the victim is prevented from resisting the act because either of the following conditions exist:

(i) The victim has paraplegia, quadriplegia, or is otherwise physically incapable of preventing the act due to a physical disability.

(ii) The victim is incapable, through unsoundness of mind, of understanding the nature of the act, and the offender knew or should have known of the victim’s incapacity.

(b) The act is without consent of the victim, and the victim is sixty-five years of age or older.

B. Lack of knowledge of the victim’s age shall not be a defense. However, normal medical treatment or normal sanitary care shall not be construed as an offense under the provisions of this Section.

C. (1) Whoever commits the crime of sexual battery shall be punished by imprisonment, with or without hard labor, without benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence, for not more than ten years.

(2) Whoever commits the crime of sexual battery on a victim under the age of thirteen years when the offender is seventeen years of age or older shall be punished by imprisonment at hard labor for not less than twenty-five years nor more than ninety-nine years. At least twenty-five years of the sentence imposed shall be served without benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence.

(3) Whoever commits the crime of sexual battery by violating the provisions of Paragraph (A)(3) of this Section shall be imprisoned at hard labor for not less than twenty-five years nor more than ninety-nine years. At least twenty-five years of the sentence imposed shall be served without benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence.

(4) Upon completion of the term of imprisonment imposed in accordance with Paragraphs (2) and (3) of this Subsection, the offender shall be monitored by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections through the use of electronic monitoring equipment for the remainder of his natural life.

(5) Unless it is determined by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, pursuant to rules adopted in accordance with the provisions of this Subsection, that a sexual offender is unable to pay all or any portion of such costs, each sexual offender to be electronically monitored shall pay the cost of such monitoring.

(6) The costs attributable to the electronic monitoring of an offender who has been determined unable to pay shall be borne by the department if, and only to the degree that, sufficient funds are made available for such purpose whether by appropriation of state funds or from any other source.

(7) The Department of Public Safety and Corrections shall develop, adopt, and promulgate rules in the manner provided in the Administrative Procedure Act,1 that provide for the payment of such costs. Such rules shall contain specific guidelines which shall be used to determine the ability of the offender to pay the required costs and shall establish the reasonable costs to be charged. Such rules may provide for a sliding scale of payment so that an offender who is able to pay a portion, but not all, of such costs may be required to pay such portion.

§ 43.1.1. Misdemeanor sexual battery

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. Misdemeanor sexual battery is the intentional touching of the breasts or buttocks of the victim by the offender using any instrumentality or any part of the body of the offender, directly or through clothing, or the intentional touching of the breasts or buttocks of the offender by the victim using any instrumentality or any part of the body of the victim, directly or through clothing, when the offender acts without the consent of the victim.

B. Whoever commits the crime of misdemeanor sexual battery shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars, or imprisoned for not more than six months, or both.

C. The offender shall not be eligible to have his conviction set aside and his prosecution dismissed in accordance with Code of Criminal Procedure Article 894.

D. The offender shall not be subject to any provisions of law that are applicable to sex offenders, including but not limited to any provision that requires the registration of the offender and notice to the public.

§ 43.2. Second degree sexual battery

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. Second degree sexual battery is the intentional engaging in any of the following acts with another person when the offender intentionally inflicts serious bodily injury on the victim:

(1) The touching of the anus or genitals of the victim by the offender using any instrumentality or any part of the body of the offender, directly or through clothing.

(2) The touching of the anus or genitals of the offender by the victim using any instrumentality or any part of the body of the victim, directly or through clothing.

B. Repealed by Acts 2019, No. 2, § 3.

C. (1) Whoever commits the crime of second degree sexual battery shall be punished by imprisonment, with or without hard labor, without benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence, for not more than fifteen years.

(2) Whoever commits the crime of second degree sexual battery on a victim under the age of thirteen years when the offender is seventeen years of age or older shall be punished by imprisonment at hard labor for not less than twenty-five years nor more than ninety-nine years. At least twenty-five years of the sentence imposed shall be served without benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence.

(3) Any person who is seventeen years of age or older who commits the crime of second degree sexual battery shall be punished by imprisonment at hard labor for not less than twenty-five nor more than ninety-nine years, at least twenty-five years of the sentence imposed being served without benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence, when any of the following conditions exist:

(a) The victim has paraplegia, quadriplegia, or is otherwise physically incapable of preventing the act due to a physical disability.

(b) The victim is incapable, through unsoundness of mind, of understanding the nature of the act, and the offender knew or should have known of the victim’s incapacity.

(c) The victim is sixty-five years of age or older.

D. (1) Upon completion of the term of imprisonment imposed in accordance with Paragraphs (C)(2) and (3) of this Section, the offender shall be monitored by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections through the use of electronic monitoring equipment for the remainder of his natural life.

(2) Unless it is determined by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, pursuant to rules adopted in accordance with the provisions of this Subsection, that a sexual offender is unable to pay all or any portion of such costs, each sexual offender to be electronically monitored shall pay the cost of such monitoring.

(3) The costs attributable to the electronic monitoring of an offender who has been determined unable to pay shall be borne by the department if, and only to the degree that, sufficient funds are made available for such purpose whether by appropriation of state funds or from any other source.

(4) The Department of Public Safety and Corrections shall develop, adopt, and promulgate rules in the manner provided in the Administrative Procedure Act that provide for the payment of such costs. Such rules shall contain specific guidelines which shall be used to determine the ability of the offender to pay the required costs and shall establish the reasonable costs to be charged. Such rules may provide for a sliding scale of payment so that an offender who is able to pay a portion, but not all, of such costs may be required to pay such portion.

§ 43.3. Oral sexual battery

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. Oral sexual battery is the intentional touching of the anus or genitals of the victim by the offender using the mouth or tongue of the offender, or the touching of the anus or genitals of the offender by the victim using the mouth or tongue of the victim, when any of the following occur:

(1) The victim is under the age of fifteen years and is at least three years younger than the offender.

(2) The offender is seventeen years of age or older and any of the following exist:

(a) The act is without the consent of the victim, and the victim is prevented from resisting the act because either of the following conditions exist:

(i) The victim has paraplegia, quadriplegia, or is otherwise physically incapable of preventing the act due to a physical disability.

(ii) The victim is incapable, through unsoundness of mind, of understanding the nature of the act, and the offender knew or should have known of the victim’s incapacity.

(b) The act is without the consent of the victim, and the victim is sixty-five years of age or older.

B. Lack of knowledge of the victim’s age shall not be a defense.

C. (1) Whoever commits the crime of oral sexual battery shall be punished by imprisonment, with or without hard labor, without benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence, for not more than ten years.

(2) Whoever commits the crime of oral sexual battery on a victim under the age of thirteen years when the offender is seventeen years of age or older shall be punished by imprisonment at hard labor for not less than twenty-five years nor more than ninety-nine years. At least twenty-five years of the sentence imposed shall be served without benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence.

(3) Whoever commits the crime of oral sexual battery by violating the provisions of Paragraph (A)(2) of this Section shall be imprisoned at hard labor for not less than twenty-five years nor more than ninety-nine years. At least twenty-five years of the sentence imposed shall be served without parole, probation, or suspension of sentence.

D. (1) Upon completion of the term of imprisonment imposed in accordance with Paragraphs (C)(2) and (3) of this Section, the offender shall be monitored by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections through the use of electronic monitoring equipment for the remainder of his natural life.

(2) Unless it is determined by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, pursuant to rules adopted in accordance with the provisions of this Subsection, that a sexual offender is unable to pay all or any portion of such costs, each sexual offender to be electronically monitored shall pay the cost of such monitoring.

(3) The costs attributable to the electronic monitoring of an offender who has been determined unable to pay shall be borne by the department if, and only to the degree that, sufficient funds are made available for such purpose whether by appropriation of state funds or from any other source.

(4) The Department of Public Safety and Corrections shall develop, adopt, and promulgate rules in the manner provided in the Administrative Procedure Act, that provide for the payment of such costs. Such rules shall contain specific guidelines which shall be used to determine the ability of the offender to pay the required costs and shall establish the reasonable costs to be charged. Such rules may provide for a sliding scale of payment so that an offender who is able to pay a portion, but not all, of such costs may be required to pay such portion.

§ 43.4. Female genital mutilation

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. A person is guilty of female genital mutilation when any of the following occur:

(1) The person knowingly circumcises, excises, or infibulates the whole or any part of the labia majora, labia minora, or clitoris of a female minor.

(2) The parent, guardian, or other person legally responsible or charged with the care or custody of a female minor allows the circumcision, excision, or infibulation, in whole or in part, of such minor’s labia majora, labia minora, or clitoris.

(3) The person knowingly removes or causes or permits the removal of a female minor from this state for the purpose of circumcising, excising, or infibulating, in whole or in part, the labia majora, labia minora, or clitoris of such female.

B. It shall not be a defense to prosecution for a violation of this Section that the conduct described in Subsection A of this Section is required as a matter of custom, ritual, or religious practice, or that the minor on whom it is performed, or the minor’s parent or legal guardian, consented to the procedure.

C. If the action described in Subsection A of this Section is performed by a licensed physician during a surgical procedure, it shall not be a violation of this Section if either of the following is true:

(1) The procedure is necessary to the physical health of the minor on whom it is performed.

(2) The procedure is performed on a minor who is in labor or who has just given birth and is performed for medical purposes connected with that labor or birth.

D. Whoever commits the crime of female genital mutilation shall be punished by imprisonment, with or without hard labor, for not more than fifteen years.

Subpart D. Kidnapping and False Imprisonment

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

§ 45. Simple kidnapping

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. Simple kidnapping is:
(1) The intentional and forcible seizing and carrying of any person from one place to another without his consent.
(2) The intentional taking, enticing or decoying away, for an unlawful purpose, of any child not his own and under the age of fourteen years, without the consent of its parent or the person charged with its custody.
(3) The intentional taking, enticing or decoying away, without the consent of the proper authority, of any person who has been lawfully committed to any institution for orphans, persons with mental illness, persons with intellectual disabilities, or other similar institution.
(4) The intentional taking, enticing or decoying away and removing from the state, by any parent of his or her child, from the custody of any person to whom custody has been awarded by any court of competent jurisdiction of any state, without the consent of the legal custodian, with intent to defeat the jurisdiction of the said court over the custody of the child.
(5) The taking, enticing or decoying away and removing from the state, by any person, other than the parent, of a child temporarily placed in his custody by any court of competent jurisdiction in the state, with intent to defeat the jurisdiction of said court over the custody of the child.
B. Whoever commits the crime of simple kidnapping shall be fined not more than five thousand dollars, imprisoned with or without hard labor for not more than five years, or both.

§ 45.1. Interference with the custody of a child

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. Interference with the custody of a child is the intentional taking, enticing, or decoying away of a minor child by a parent not having a right of custody, with intent to detain or conceal such child from a parent having a right of custody pursuant to a court order or from a person entrusted with the care of the child by a parent having custody pursuant to a court order.

It shall be an affirmative defense that the offender reasonably believed his actions were necessary to protect the welfare of the child.

B. Whoever commits the crime of interference with the custody of a child shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars or be imprisoned for not more than six months, or both. Costs of returning a child to the jurisdiction of the court shall be assessed against any defendant convicted of a violation of this Section, as court costs as provided by the Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure.

§ 46.2. Human trafficking

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. It shall be unlawful:

(1)(a) For any person to knowingly recruit, harbor, transport, provide, solicit, receive, isolate, entice, obtain, patronize, procure, purchase, hold, restrain, induce, threaten, subject, or maintain the use of another person through fraud, force, or coercion to provide services or labor.

(b) For any person to knowingly recruit, harbor, transport, provide, solicit, sell, purchase, patronize, procure, hold, restrain, induce, threaten, subject, receive, isolate, entice, obtain, or maintain the use of a person under the age of twenty-one years for the purpose of engaging in commercial sexual activity regardless of whether the person was recruited, harbored, transported, provided, solicited, sold, purchased, received, isolated, enticed, obtained, or maintained through fraud, force, or coercion. It shall not be a defense to prosecution for a violation of the provisions of this Subparagraph that the person did not know the age of the victim or that the victim consented to the prohibited activity.

(2) For any person to knowingly benefit from activity prohibited by the provisions of this Section.

(3) For any person to knowingly facilitate any of the activities prohibited by the provisions of this Section by any means, including but not limited to helping, aiding, abetting, or conspiring, regardless of whether a thing of value has been promised to or received by the person.

B. (1) Except as provided in Paragraphs (2) and (3) of this Subsection, whoever commits the crime of human trafficking shall be fined not more than ten thousand dollars and shall be imprisoned at hard labor for not more than ten years.

(2)(a) Whoever commits the crime of human trafficking when the services include commercial sexual activity or any sexual conduct constituting a crime under the laws of this state shall be fined not more than fifteen thousand dollars and shall be imprisoned at hard labor for not more than twenty years.

(b) Whoever commits the crime of human trafficking in violation of the provisions of Subparagraph (A)(1)(b) of this Section shall be fined not more than fifty thousand dollars, imprisoned at hard labor for not less than fifteen years, nor more than fifty years, or both.

(3) Whoever commits the crime of human trafficking when the trafficking involves a person under the age of eighteen shall be fined not more than twenty-five thousand dollars and shall be imprisoned at hard labor for not less than five nor more than twenty-five years, five years of which shall be without the benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence.

(4) Repealed by Acts 2020, No. 352, § 2.

C. For purposes of this Section:

(1) “Commercial sexual activity” means any sexual act performed or conducted when anything of value has been given, promised, or received by any person, directly or indirectly, including the production of pornography.

(2) “Debt bondage” means inducing an individual to provide any of the following:

(a) Commercial sexual activity in payment toward or satisfaction of a real or purported debt.

(b) Labor or services in payment toward or satisfaction of a real or purported debt if either of the following occur:

(i) The reasonable value of the labor or services provided is not applied toward the liquidation of the debt.

(ii) The length of the labor or services is not limited and the nature of the labor or services is not defined.

(3) “Fraud, force, or coercion” shall include but not be limited to any of the following:

(a) Causing or threatening to cause serious bodily injury.

(b) Physically restraining, isolating, confining, or threatening to physically restrain, isolate, or confine another person.

(c) Abduction or threatened abduction of an individual.

(d) The use of a plan, pattern, or statement with intent to cause an individual to believe that failure to perform an act will result in the use of force against, abduction of, serious harm to, or physical restraint of an individual.

(e) The abuse or threatened abuse of law or legal process.

(f) The actual or threatened destruction, concealment, removal, withholding, confiscation, or possession of any actual or purported passport or other immigration document, or any other actual or purported government identification document, of another person.

(g) Controlling or threatening to control an individual’s access to a controlled dangerous substance as set forth in R.S. 40:961 et seq.

(h) The use of an individual’s physical or mental impairment, where such impairment has substantial adverse effects on the individual’s cognitive or volitional functions.

(i) The use of debt bondage or civil or criminal fraud.

(j) Extortion as defined in R.S. 14:66.

(k) Exposing or threatening to expose any fact or information that would subject an individual to criminal or immigration proceedings.

(l) Causing or threatening to cause financial harm to an individual or using financial control over an individual.

(4) “Labor or services” means activity having an economic value.

D. It shall not be a defense to prosecution for a violation of this Section that the person being recruited, harbored, transported, provided, solicited, received, isolated, patronized, procured, purchased, enticed, obtained, or maintained is actually a law enforcement officer or peace officer acting within the official scope of his duties.

E. If any Subsection, Paragraph, Subparagraph, Item, sentence, clause, phrase, or word of this Section is for any reason held to be invalid, unlawful, or unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Section.

F. (1) A victim of trafficking involving services that include commercial sexual activity or any sexual contact which constitutes a crime pursuant to the laws of this state shall have an affirmative defense to prosecution for any of the following offenses which were committed as a direct result of being trafficked:

(a) R.S. 14:82 (Prostitution).

(b) R.S. 14:83.3 (Prostitution by massage).

(c) R.S. 14:83.4 (Massage; sexual conduct prohibited).

(d) R.S. 14:89 (Crime against nature).

(e) R.S. 14:89.2 (Crime against nature by solicitation).

(2) Any person seeking to raise this affirmative defense shall provide written notice to the state at least forty-five days prior to trial or at an earlier time as otherwise required by the court.

(3) Any person determined to be a victim pursuant to the provisions of this Subsection shall be notified of any treatment or specialized services for sexually exploited persons to the extent that such services are available.

§ 46.3. Trafficking of children for sexual purposes

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. It shall be unlawful:

(1) For any person to knowingly recruit, harbor, transport, provide, sell, purchase, receive, isolate, entice, obtain, or maintain the use of a person under the age of eighteen years for the purpose of engaging in commercial sexual activity.

(2) For any person to knowingly benefit from activity prohibited by the provisions of this Section.

(3) For any parent, legal guardian, or person having custody of a person under the age of eighteen years to knowingly permit or consent to such minor entering into any activity prohibited by the provisions of this Section.

(4) For any person to knowingly facilitate any of the activities prohibited by the provisions of this Section by any means, including but not limited to helping, aiding, abetting, or conspiring, regardless of whether a thing of value has been promised to or received by the person.

(5) For any person to knowingly advertise any of the activities prohibited by this Section.

(6) For any person to knowingly sell or offer to sell travel services that include or facilitate any of the activities prohibited by this Section.

B. For purposes of this Section, “commercial sexual activity” means any sexual act performed or conducted when any thing of value has been given, promised, or received by any person.

C. (1) Consent of the minor shall not be a defense to a prosecution pursuant to the provisions of this Section.

(2) Lack of knowledge of the victim’s age shall not be a defense to a prosecution pursuant to the provisions of this Section.

(3) It shall not be a defense to prosecution for a violation of this Section that the person being recruited, harbored, transported, provided, sold, purchased, received, isolated, enticed, obtained, or maintained is actually a law enforcement officer or peace officer acting within the official scope of his duties.

D. (1)(a) Whoever violates the provisions of Paragraph (A)(1), (2), (4), (5), or (6) of this Section shall be fined not more than fifty thousand dollars, imprisoned at hard labor for not less than fifteen, nor more than fifty years, or both.

(b) Whoever violates the provisions of Paragraph (A)(1), (2), (4), (5), or (6) of this Section when the victim is under the age of fourteen years shall be fined not more than seventy-five thousand dollars and imprisoned at hard labor for not less than twenty-five years nor more than fifty years. At least twenty-five years of the sentence imposed shall be served without benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence.

(c) Any person who violates the provisions of Paragraph (A)(1), (2), (4), (5), or (6) of this Section, who was previously convicted of a sex offense as defined in R.S. 15:541 when the victim of the sex offense was under the age of eighteen years, shall be fined not more than one hundred thousand dollars and shall be imprisoned at hard labor for not less than fifty years or for life. At least fifty years of the sentence imposed shall be served without benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence.

(2) Whoever violates the provisions of Paragraph (A)(3) of this Section shall be required to serve at least five years of the sentence provided for in Subparagraph (D)(1)(a) of this Section without benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence. Whoever violates the provisions of Paragraph (A)(3) when the victim is under the age of fourteen years shall be required to serve at least ten years of the sentence provided for in Subparagraph (D)(1)(b) of this Section without benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence.

(3) Repealed by Acts 2020, No. 352, § 2.

E. No victim of trafficking as provided by the provisions of this Section shall be prosecuted for unlawful acts committed as a direct result of being trafficked. Any child determined to be a victim pursuant to the provisions of this Subsection shall be eligible for specialized services for sexually exploited children.

F. The provisions of Chapter 1 of Title V of the Children’s Code regarding the multidisciplinary team approach applicable to children who have been abused or neglected, to the extent practical, shall apply to the children who are victims of the provisions of this Section.

G. If any Subsection, Paragraph, Subparagraph, Item, sentence, clause, phrase, or word of this Section is for any reason held to be invalid, unlawful, or unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Section.

Part III. Offenses Against Property

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

Subpart C. By Misappropriation Without Violence

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

§ 67.16 Identity theft

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. As used in this Section the following terms have the following meanings:

(1) “Caller identification system” means any device that displays or otherwise indicates to the person who is the recipient of a telephone call another person’s name, telephone number, the name of a legitimate or fictitious business, or any other name or telephone number from which the telephone call purportedly originated.

(2) “Insert” means to enter by voice communication, by written communication, or by any other means.

(3) “Person” means any individual, partnership, association, joint stock association, trust, corporation, or other business entity whether incorporated or not.

(4) “Personal identifying information” shall include but not be limited to a person’s:

(a) Social security number.

(b) Driver’s license number.

(c) Checking account number.

(d) Savings account number.

(e) Credit card number.

(f) Debit card number.

(g) Electronic identification number.

(h) Digital signatures.

(i) Birth certificate.

(j) Date of birth.

(k) Mother’s maiden name.

(l) Armed forces identification number.

(m) Government issued identification number.

(n) Financial institution account number.

(o) Telephone number, when inserted into any caller identification system.

(5) “Person with a disability” means any person regardless of age who has a mental, physical, or developmental disability that substantially impairs the person’s ability to provide adequately for his own care or protection.

B. Identity theft is the intentional use, possession, transfer, or attempted use, with fraudulent intent, by any person of any personal identifying information of another person to obtain, possess, or transfer, whether contemporaneously or not, credit, money, goods, services, or any thing else of value without the authorization or consent of the other person.

C. (1)(a) Whoever commits the crime of identity theft when credit, money, goods, services, or any thing else of value is obtained, possessed, or transferred, which amounts to a value of one thousand dollars or more, shall be imprisoned, with or without hard labor, for not more than ten years, or may be fined not more than ten thousand dollars, or both.

(b) Whoever commits the crime of identity theft when the victim is sixty years of age or older or a person with a disability when the credit, money, goods, services, or any thing else of value is obtained which amounts to a value of one thousand dollars or more, shall be imprisoned, with or without hard labor, for not less than three years and for not more than ten years, or may be fined not more than ten thousand dollars, or both.

(c) Whoever commits the crime of identity theft when the victim is under the age of seventeen when the credit, money, goods, services, or any thing else of value is obtained which amounts to a value of one thousand dollars or more, shall be imprisoned, with or without hard labor, for not less than three years and for not more than ten years, or may be fined not more than ten thousand dollars, or both.

(2)(a) Whoever commits the crime of identity theft when credit, money, goods, services, or any thing else of value is obtained, possessed, or transferred, which amounts to a value of five hundred dollars or more, but less than one thousand dollars, shall be imprisoned, with or without hard labor, for not more than five years, or may be fined not more than five thousand dollars, or both.

(b) Whoever commits the crime of identity theft when the victim is sixty years of age or older or a person with a disability when the credit, money, goods, services, or any thing else of value is obtained which amounts to a value of five hundred dollars or more, but less than one thousand dollars, shall be imprisoned, with or without hard labor, for not less than two years and not more than five years, or may be fined not more than five thousand dollars, or both.

(c) Whoever commits the crime of identity theft when the victim is under the age of seventeen when the credit, money, goods, services, or any thing else of value is obtained which amounts to a value of five hundred dollars or more, but less than one thousand dollars, shall be imprisoned, with or without hard labor, for not less than two years and not more than five years, or may be fined not more than five thousand dollars, or both.

(3)(a) Whoever commits the crime of identity theft when credit, money, goods, services, or any thing else of value is obtained, possessed, or transferred, which amounts to a value of three hundred dollars or more, but less than five hundred dollars, shall be imprisoned, with or without hard labor, for not more than three years, or may be fined not more than three thousand dollars, or both.

(b) Whoever commits the crime of identity theft when the victim is sixty years of age or older or a person with a disability when the credit, money, goods, services, or any thing else of value is obtained which amounts to a value of three hundred dollars or more, but less than five hundred dollars, shall be imprisoned, with or without hard labor, for not less than one year and not more than three years, or may be fined not more than three thousand dollars, or both.

(c) Whoever commits the crime of identity theft when the victim is under the age of seventeen when the credit, money, goods, services, or any thing else of value is obtained which amounts to a value of three hundred dollars or more, but less than five hundred dollars, shall be imprisoned, with or without hard labor, for not less than one year and not more than three years, or may be fined not more than three thousand dollars, or both.

(4)(a) Whoever commits the crime of identity theft when credit, money, goods, services, or any thing else of value is obtained, possessed, or transferred, which amounts to a value less than three hundred dollars, shall be imprisoned for not more than six months, or may be fined not more than five hundred dollars, or both.

(b) Whoever commits the crime of identity theft when the victim is sixty years of age or older or a person with a disability when the credit, money, goods, services, or any thing else of value is obtained which amounts to a value less than three hundred dollars, shall be imprisoned with or without hard labor, for not less than six months and not more than one year, or may be fined not more than five hundred dollars, or both.

(c) Whoever commits the crime of identity theft when the victim is under the age of seventeen when the credit, money, goods, services, or any thing else of value is obtained which amounts to a value less than three hundred dollars, shall be imprisoned with or without hard labor, for not less than six months and not more than one year, or may be fined not more than five hundred dollars, or both.

D. Upon a third or subsequent conviction of a violation of the provisions of this Section, the offender shall be imprisoned, with or without hard labor, for not more than ten years, or may be fined not more than twenty thousand dollars, or both.

E. When there has been a theft by a number of distinct acts of the offender, the aggregate of the amount of the theft shall determine the grade of the offense.

F. In addition to the foregoing penalties, a person convicted under this Section shall be ordered to make full restitution to the victim and any other person who has suffered a financial loss as a result of the offense. If a person ordered to make restitution pursuant to this Section is found to be indigent and therefore unable to make restitution in full at the time of conviction, the court shall order a periodic payment plan consistent with the person’s financial ability.

G. The provisions of this Section shall not apply to any person who obtains another’s driver’s license or other form of identification for the sole purpose of misrepresenting his age.

H. (1) Any person who has learned or reasonably suspects that his personal identifying information has been unlawfully used by another in violation of any provision of this Section may initiate a law enforcement investigation by contacting the local law enforcement agency that has jurisdiction over the area of his residence. Any law enforcement agency which is requested to conduct an investigation under the provisions of this Subsection shall take a police report of the matter from the victim, provide the complainant with a copy of such report, and begin an investigation of the facts. If the crime was committed in a different jurisdiction, the agency preparing the report shall refer the matter, with a copy of the report, to the local law enforcement agency having jurisdiction over the area in which the alleged crime was committed for an investigation of the facts.

(2) Any officer of any law enforcement agency who investigates an alleged violation in compliance with the provisions of this Subsection shall make a written report of the investigation that includes the name of the victim; the name of the suspect, if known; the type of personal identifying information obtained, possessed, transferred, or used in violation of this Section; and the results of the investigation. At the request of the victim who has requested the investigation, the law enforcement agency shall provide to such victim the report created under the provisions of this Paragraph. In providing the report, the agency shall eliminate any information that is included in the report other than the information required by this Paragraph.

I. Nothing in this Section shall preclude or abrogate any remedy otherwise provided by law, including but not limited to remedies available pursuant to R.S. 51:1741.1 et seq.

Part IV. Offenses Affecting the Family

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

Subpart C. Domestic Violence Offenses

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

§ 79. Violation of protective orders

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. (1)(a) Violation of protective orders is the willful disobedience of a preliminary or permanent injunction or protective order issued pursuant to R.S. 9:361 et seq., R.S. 9:372, R.S. 46:2131 et seq., R.S. 46:2151, R.S. 46:2171 et seq., R.S. 46:2181 et seq., Children’s Code Article 1564 et seq., Code of Civil Procedure Articles 3604 and 3607.1, or Code of Criminal Procedure Articles 320 and 871.1 after a contradictory court hearing, or the willful disobedience of a temporary restraining order or any ex parte protective order issued pursuant to R.S. 9:361 et seq., R.S. 9:372, R.S. 46:2131 et seq., R.S. 46:2151, R.S. 46:2171 et seq., criminal stay-away orders as provided for in Code of Criminal Procedure Article 320, Children’s Code Article 1564 et seq., or Code of Civil Procedure Articles 3604 and 3607.1, if the defendant has been given notice of the temporary restraining order or ex parte protective order by service of process as required by law.

(b) A defendant may also be deemed to have been properly served if tendered a certified copy of a temporary restraining order or ex parte protective order, or if tendered a faxed or electronic copy of a temporary restraining order or ex parte protective order received directly from the issuing magistrate, commissioner, hearing officer, judge or court, by any law enforcement officer who has been called to any scene where the named defendant is present. Such service of a previously issued temporary restraining order or ex parte protective order if noted in the police report shall be deemed sufficient evidence of service of process and admissible in any civil or criminal proceedings. A law enforcement officer making service under this Subsection shall transmit proof of service to the judicial administrator’s office, Louisiana Supreme Court, for entry into the Louisiana Protective Order Registry, as provided in R.S. 46:2136.2(A), by facsimile transmission or direct electronic input as expeditiously as possible, but no later than the end of the next business day after making service, exclusive of weekends and holidays. This proof shall include, at a minimum, the case caption, docket number, type of order, serving agency and officer, and the date and time service was made.

(2) Violation of protective orders shall also include the willful disobedience of an order of protection issued by a foreign state.

(3) Violation of protective orders shall also include the willful disobedience of the following:

(a) An order issued by any state, federal, parish, city, or municipal court judge, magistrate judge, commissioner or justice of the peace that a criminal defendant stay away from a specific person or persons as a condition of that defendant’s release on bond.

(b) An order issued by any state, federal, parish, city, or municipal court judge, magistrate judge, commissioner or justice of the peace that a defendant convicted of a violation of any state, federal, parish, municipal, or city criminal offense stay away from any specific person as a condition of that defendant’s release on probation.

(c) A condition of a parole release pursuant to R.S. 15:574.4.2(A)(5) or any other condition of parole which requires that the parolee stay away from any specific person.

(d) An order issued pursuant to R.S. 46:1846.

(4) Violation of protective orders shall also include the possession of a firearm or carrying a concealed weapon in violation of R.S. 46:2136.3, the purchase or attempted purchase of a firearm, and the carrying of a concealed weapon in violation of R.S. 14:95.1, 95.1.3, or 95.10.

B. (1) On a first conviction for violation of protective orders, except as provided in Subsection C of this Section, the offender shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than six months, or both.

(2) On a second or subsequent conviction for violation of protective orders, except as provided in Subsection C of this Section, regardless of whether the current offense occurred before or after the earlier convictions, the offender shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars and imprisoned with or without hard labor for not less than fourteen days nor more than two years. At least fourteen days of the sentence of imprisonment imposed under this Paragraph shall be without benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence. If a portion of the sentence is imposed with benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence, the court shall require the offender to participate in a court-monitored domestic abuse intervention program as defined by R.S. 14:35.3.

C. (1) Except as provided in Paragraph (2) of this Subsection, whoever is convicted of the offense of violation of protective orders where the violation involves a battery or any crime of violence as defined by R.S. 14:2(B) against the person for whose benefit the protective order is in effect, or where the violation involves the offender going to the residence or household, school, or place of employment of the person for whose benefit the protective order is in effect while in possession of a firearm, shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars and imprisoned with or without hard labor for not less than three months nor more than two years. At least thirty days of the sentence of imprisonment imposed under this Paragraph shall be without benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence. If a portion of the sentence is imposed with benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence, the court shall require the offender to participate in a court-monitored domestic abuse intervention program as defined by R.S. 14:35.3.

(2) Whoever is convicted of the offense of violation of protective orders where the violation involves a battery or any crime of violence as defined by R.S. 14:2(B) against the person for whose benefit the protective order is in effect, or where the violation involves the offender going to the residence or household, school, or place of employment of the person for whose benefit the protective order is in effect while in possession of a firearm, and who has a conviction of violating a protective order or of an assault or battery upon the person for whose benefit the protective order is in effect during the five-year period prior to commission of the instant offense, regardless of whether the instant offense occurred before or after the earlier convictions, the offender shall be fined not more than two thousand dollars and imprisoned with or without hard labor for not less than one year nor more than five years. At least one year of the sentence of imprisonment imposed under this Paragraph shall be without benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence.

D. If, as part of any sentence imposed under this Section, a fine is imposed, the court may direct that the fine be paid for the support of the spouse or children of the offender.

E. (1) Law enforcement officers shall use every reasonable means, including but not limited to immediate arrest of the violator, to enforce a preliminary or permanent injunction or protective order obtained pursuant to R.S. 9:361, R.S. 9:372, R.S. 46:2131 et seq., R.S. 46:2151, R.S. 46:2171 et seq., R.S. 46:2181 et seq., Children’s Code Article 1564 et seq., Code of Civil Procedure Articles 3604 and 3607.1, or Code of Criminal Procedure Articles 320 and 871.1 after a contradictory court hearing, or to enforce a temporary restraining order or ex parte protective order issued pursuant to R.S. 9:361, R.S. 9:372, R.S. 46:2131 et seq., R.S. 46:2151, R.S. 46:2171 et seq., R.S. 46:2181 et seq., Children’s Code Article 1564 et seq., Code of Civil Procedure Articles 3604 and 3607.1, or Code of Criminal Procedure Article 320 if the defendant has been given notice of the temporary restraining order or ex parte protective order by service of process as required by law.

(2) Law enforcement officers shall at a minimum issue a summons to the person in violation of a temporary restraining order, a preliminary or permanent injunction, or a protective order issued pursuant to R.S. 9:361 et seq., R.S. 9:372, R.S. 46:2131 et seq., R.S. 46:2151, R.S. 46:2181 et seq., Children’s Code Article 1564 et seq., Code of Civil Procedure Articles 3604 and 3607.1, or Code of Criminal Procedure Articles 30, 320, and 871.1.

F. This Section shall not be construed to bar or limit the effect of any other criminal statute or civil remedy.

G. “Instant offense” as used in this Section means the offense which is before the court.

H. An offender ordered to participate in a court-monitored domestic abuse intervention program under the provision of this Section shall pay the cost incurred in participating in the program, unless the court determines that the offender is unable to pay. Failure to make payment under this Subsection shall subject the offender to revocation of probation.

Part V. Offenses Affecting the Public Morals

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

Subpart A. Offenses Affecting Sexual Immorality

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

1. Sexual Offenses Affecting Minors

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

§ 80. Felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. Felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile is committed when:

(1) A person who is seventeen years of age or older has sexual intercourse, with consent, with a person who is thirteen years of age or older but less than seventeen years of age, when the victim is not the spouse of the offender and when the difference between the age of the victim and the age of the offender is four years or greater; or

(2) A person commits a second or subsequent offense of misdemeanor carnal knowledge of a juvenile, or a person who has been convicted one or more times of violating one or more crimes for which the offender is required to register as a sex offender under R.S. 15:542 commits a first offense of misdemeanor carnal knowledge of a juvenile.

B. As used in this Section, “sexual intercourse” means anal, oral, or vaginal sexual intercourse.

C. Lack of knowledge of the juvenile’s age shall not be a defense. Emission is not necessary, and penetration, however slight, is sufficient to complete the crime.

D. (1) Whoever commits the crime of felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile shall be fined not more than five thousand dollars, or imprisoned, with or without hard labor, for not more than ten years, or both, provided that the defendant shall not be eligible to have his conviction set aside or his prosecution dismissed in accordance with the provisions of Code of Criminal Procedure Article 893.

(2) Repealed by Acts 2020, No. 352, § 2.

§ 80.1. Misdemeanor carnal knowledge of a juvenile

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. Misdemeanor carnal knowledge of a juvenile is committed when a person who is seventeen years of age or older has sexual intercourse, with consent, with a person who is thirteen years of age or older but less than seventeen years of age, when the victim is not the spouse of the offender, and when the difference between the age of the victim and age of the offender is greater than two years, but less than four years.

B. As used in this Section, “sexual intercourse” means anal, oral, or vaginal sexual intercourse.

C. Lack of knowledge of the juvenile’s age shall not be a defense. Emission is not necessary, and penetration, however slight, is sufficient to complete the crime.

D. Whoever commits the crime of misdemeanor carnal knowledge of a juvenile shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars, or imprisoned for not more than six months, or both.

E. The offender shall be eligible to have his conviction set aside and his prosecution dismissed in accordance with the appropriate provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

F. The offender shall not be subject to any of the provisions of law which are applicable to sex offenders, including but not limited to the provisions which require registration of the offender and notice to the neighbors of the offender.

§ 81. Indecent behavior with juveniles

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. (1) It shall be unlawful for a person to produce, promote, advertise, distribute, possess, or possess with the intent to distribute pornography involving juveniles.

(2) It shall also be a violation of the provision of this Section for a parent, legal guardian, or custodian of a child to consent to the participation of the child in pornography involving juveniles.

B. For purposes of this Section, the following definitions shall apply:

(1) “Access software provider” means a provider of software, including client or server software, or enabling tools that do any one or more of the following:

(a) Filter, screen, allow, or disallow content.

(b) Select, choose, analyze, or digest content.

(c) Transmit, receive, display, forward, cache, search, organize, reorganize, or translate content.

(2) “Cable operator” means any person or group of persons who provides cable service over a cable system and directly, or through one or more affiliates, owns a significant interest in such cable system, or who otherwise controls or is responsible for, through any arrangement, the management and operation of such a cable system.

(3) “Coerce” shall include but not be limited to any of the following:

(a) Causing or threatening to cause serious bodily injury.

(b) Physically restraining or threatening to physically restrain another person.

(c) Abduction or threatened abduction of an individual.

(d) The use of a plan, pattern, or statement with intent to cause an individual to believe that failure to perform an act will result in the use of force against, abduction of, serious harm to, or physical restraint of an individual.

(e) The abuse or threatened abuse of law or legal process.

(f) The actual or threatened destruction, concealment, removal, confiscation, or possession of any actual or purported passport or other immigration document, or any other actual or purported government identification document, of another person.

(g) Controlling or threatening to control an individual’s access to a controlled dangerous substance as set forth in R.S. 40:961 et seq.

(h) The use of an individual’s physical or mental impairment, where such impairment has substantial adverse effects on the individual’s cognitive or volitional functions.

(i) The use of debt bondage or civil or criminal fraud.

(j) Extortion as defined in R.S. 14:66.

(4) “Debt bondage” means inducing an individual to provide any of the following:

(a) Commercial sexual activity in payment toward or satisfaction of a real or purported debt.

(b) Labor or services in payment toward or satisfaction of a real or purported debt if either of the following occur:

(i) The reasonable value of the labor or services provided is not applied toward the liquidation of the debt.

(ii) The length of the labor or services is not limited and the nature of the labor or services is not defined.

(5) “Distribute” means to issue, sell, give, provide, lend, mail, deliver, transfer, transmute, distribute, circulate, or disseminate by any means.

(6) “Interactive computer service” means any information service, system, or access software provider that provides or enables computer access by multiple users to a computer server, including a service or system that provides access to the Internet and such systems operated or services offered by libraries or educational institutions.

(7) “Labor or services” mean activity having economic value.

(8) “Pornography involving juveniles” is any photograph, videotape, film, or other reproduction, whether electronic or otherwise, of any sexual performance involving a child under the age of seventeen.

(9) “Produce” means to photograph, videotape, film, or otherwise reproduce pornography involving juveniles, or to solicit, promote, or coerce any child for the purpose of pornography involving juveniles.

(10) “Sexual performance” means any performance or part thereof that includes actual or simulated sexual intercourse, deviate sexual intercourse, sexual bestiality, masturbation, sadomasochistic abuse, or lewd exhibition of the genitals or anus.

(11) “Telecommunications service” means the offering of telecommunications for a fee directly to the public, regardless of the facilities used.

C. (1) Possession of three or more of the same photographs, images, films, videotapes, or other visual reproductions shall be prima facie evidence of intent to sell or distribute.

(2) Possession of three or more photographs, images, films, videotapes, or other visual reproductions and possession of any type of file sharing technology or software shall be prima facie evidence of intent to sell or distribute.

D. (1) Lack of knowledge of the juvenile’s age shall not be a defense.

(2) It shall not be a defense to prosecution for a violation of this Section that the juvenile consented to participation in the activity prohibited by this Section.

E. (1)(a) Whoever intentionally possesses pornography involving juveniles shall be fined not more than fifty thousand dollars and shall be imprisoned at hard labor for not less than five years or more than twenty years, without benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence.

(b) On a second or subsequent conviction for the intentional possession of pornography involving juveniles, the offender shall be fined not more than seventy-five thousand dollars and imprisoned at hard labor for not less than ten years nor more than forty years, without benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence.

(2)(a) Whoever distributes or possesses with the intent to distribute pornography involving juveniles shall be fined not more than fifty thousand dollars and shall be imprisoned at hard labor for not less than five years or more than twenty years, without benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence.

(b) On a second or subsequent conviction for distributing or possessing with the intent to distribute pornography involving juveniles, the offender shall be fined not more than seventy-five thousand dollars and imprisoned at hard labor for not less than ten years nor more than forty years, without benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence.

(3) Any parent, legal guardian, or custodian of a child who consents to the participation of the child in pornography involving juveniles shall be fined not more than fifty thousand dollars and imprisoned at hard labor for not less than five years nor more than twenty years, without benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence.

(4)(a) Whoever engages in the promotion, advertisement, or production of pornography involving juveniles shall be fined not more than fifty thousand dollars and imprisoned at hard labor for not less than ten years nor more than twenty years, without benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence.

(b) On a second or subsequent conviction for promotion, advertisement, or production of pornography involving juveniles, the offender shall be fined not more than seventy-five thousand dollars and imprisoned at hard labor for not less than twenty years nor more than forty years, without benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence.

(5)(a) Whoever commits the crime of pornography involving juveniles punishable by the provisions of Paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of this Subsection when the victim is under the age of thirteen years and the offender is seventeen years of age or older shall be punished by imprisonment at hard labor for not less than one-half the longest term nor more than twice the longest term of imprisonment provided in Paragraph (1), (2), and (3) of this Subsection. The sentence imposed shall be served without benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence.

(b) Whoever commits the crime of pornography involving juveniles punishable by the provisions of Paragraph (4) of this Subsection when the victim is under the age of thirteen years, and the offender is seventeen years of age or older, shall be punished by imprisonment at hard labor for not less than twenty-five years nor more than ninety-nine years. At least twenty-five years of the sentence imposed shall be served without benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence.

(c), (d) Repealed by Acts 2020, No. 352, § 2.

(e) Upon completion of the term of imprisonment imposed in accordance with Subparagraphs (5)(a) and (b) of this Subsection, the offender shall be monitored by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections through the use of electronic monitoring equipment for the remainder of his natural life.

(f) Unless it is determined by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, pursuant to rules adopted in accordance with the provisions of this Subsection, that a sexual offender is unable to pay all or any portion of such costs, each sexual offender to be electronically monitored shall pay the cost of such monitoring.

(g) The costs attributable to the electronic monitoring of an offender who has been determined unable to pay shall be borne by the department if, and only to the degree that sufficient funds are made available for such purpose whether by appropriation of state funds or from any other source.

(h) The Department of Public Safety and Corrections shall develop, adopt, and promulgate rules in the manner provided in the Administrative Procedure Act1, that provide for the payment of such costs. Such rules shall contain specific guidelines which shall be used to determine the ability of the offender to pay the required costs and shall establish the reasonable costs to be charged. Such rules may provide for a sliding scale of payment so that an offender who is able to pay a portion, but not all, of such costs may be required to pay such portion.

F. (1) Repealed by Acts 2020, No. 352, § 2.

(2) Upon the filing of any information or indictment by the prosecuting authority for a violation of this Section, the investigating law enforcement agency which seized the photographs, films, videotapes, or other visual reproductions of pornography involving juveniles shall provide copies of those reproductions to the Internet crimes against children division within the attorney general’s office.

(3) Upon receipt of the reproductions as provided in Paragraph (2) of this Subsection, the Internet crimes against children division shall:

(a) Provide those visual reproductions to the law enforcement agency representative assigned to the Child Victim Identification Program at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

(b) Request the Child Victim Identification Program provide the law enforcement agency contact information for any visual reproductions recovered which contain an identified victim of pornography involving juveniles as defined in this Section.

(c) Provide case information to the Child Victim Identification Program, as requested by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children guidelines, in any case where the Internet crimes against children division within the attorney general’s office identifies a previously unidentified victim of pornography involving juveniles.

(4) The Internet crimes against children division shall submit to the designated prosecutor the law enforcement agency contact information provided by the Child Victim Identification Program at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, for any visual reproductions involved in the case which contain the depiction of an identified victim of pornography involving juveniles as defined in this Section.

(5) In all cases in which the prosecuting authority has filed an indictment or information for a violation of this Section and the victim of pornography involving juveniles has been identified and is a resident of this state, the prosecuting agency shall submit all of the following information to the attorney general for entry into the Louisiana Attorney General’s Exploited Children’s Identification database maintained by that office:

(a) The parish, district, and docket number of the case.

(b) The name, race, sex, and date of birth of the defendant.

(c) The identity of the victim.

(d) The contact information for the law enforcement agency which identified a victim of pornography involving juveniles, including contact information maintained by the Child Victim Identification Program and provided to the Internet crimes against children division in accordance with this Section.

(6) No sentence, plea, conviction, or other final disposition shall be invalidated due to failure to comply with the provisions of this Subsection, and no person shall have a cause of action against the investigating law enforcement agency or any prosecuting authority, or officer or agent thereof for failure to comply with the provisions of this Subsection.

G. In prosecutions for violations of this Section, the trier of fact may determine, utilizing the following factors, whether or not the person displayed or depicted in any photograph, videotape, film, or other video reproduction introduced in evidence was under the age of seventeen years at the time of filming or recording:

(1) The general body growth, bone structure, and bone development of the person.

(2) The development of pubic or body hair on the person.

(3) The development of the person’s sexual organs.

(4) The context in which the person is placed or the age attributed to the person in any accompanying video, printed, or text material.

(5) Available expert testimony and opinion as to the chronological age or degree of physical or mental maturity or development of the person.

(6) Such other information, factors, and evidence available to the trier of fact which the court determines is probative and reasonably reliable.

H. The provisions of this Section shall not apply to a provider of an interactive computer service, provider of a telecommunications service, or a cable operator as defined by the provisions of this Section.

§ 81.1. Pornography involving juveniles

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. (1) It shall be unlawful for a person to produce, promote, advertise, distribute, possess, or possess with the intent to distribute pornography involving juveniles.

(2) It shall also be a violation of the provision of this Section for a parent, legal guardian, or custodian of a child to consent to the participation of the child in pornography involving juveniles.

B. For purposes of this Section, the following definitions shall apply:

(1) “Access software provider” means a provider of software, including client or server software, or enabling tools that do any one or more of the following:

(a) Filter, screen, allow, or disallow content.

(b) Select, choose, analyze, or digest content.

(c) Transmit, receive, display, forward, cache, search, organize, reorganize, or translate content.

(2) “Cable operator” means any person or group of persons who provides cable service over a cable system and directly, or through one or more affiliates, owns a significant interest in such cable system, or who otherwise controls or is responsible for, through any arrangement, the management and operation of such a cable system.

(3) “Coerce” shall include but not be limited to any of the following:

(a) Causing or threatening to cause serious bodily injury.

(b) Physically restraining or threatening to physically restrain another person.

(c) Abduction or threatened abduction of an individual.

(d) The use of a plan, pattern, or statement with intent to cause an individual to believe that failure to perform an act will result in the use of force against, abduction of, serious harm to, or physical restraint of an individual.

(e) The abuse or threatened abuse of law or legal process.

(f) The actual or threatened destruction, concealment, removal, confiscation, or possession of any actual or purported passport or other immigration document, or any other actual or purported government identification document, of another person.

(g) Controlling or threatening to control an individual’s access to a controlled dangerous substance as set forth in R.S. 40:961 et seq.

(h) The use of an individual’s physical or mental impairment, where such impairment has substantial adverse effects on the individual’s cognitive or volitional functions.

(i) The use of debt bondage or civil or criminal fraud.

(j) Extortion as defined in R.S. 14:66.

(4) “Debt bondage” means inducing an individual to provide any of the following:

(a) Commercial sexual activity in payment toward or satisfaction of a real or purported debt.

(b) Labor or services in payment toward or satisfaction of a real or purported debt if either of the following occur:

(i) The reasonable value of the labor or services provided is not applied toward the liquidation of the debt.

(ii) The length of the labor or services is not limited and the nature of the labor or services is not defined.

(5) “Distribute” means to issue, sell, give, provide, lend, mail, deliver, transfer, transmute, distribute, circulate, or disseminate by any means.

(6) “Interactive computer service” means any information service, system, or access software provider that provides or enables computer access by multiple users to a computer server, including a service or system that provides access to the Internet and such systems operated or services offered by libraries or educational institutions.

(7) “Labor or services” mean activity having economic value.

(8) “Pornography involving juveniles” is any photograph, videotape, film, or other reproduction, whether electronic or otherwise, of any sexual performance involving a child under the age of seventeen.

(9) “Produce” means to photograph, videotape, film, or otherwise reproduce pornography involving juveniles, or to solicit, promote, or coerce any child for the purpose of pornography involving juveniles.

(10) “Sexual performance” means any performance or part thereof that includes actual or simulated sexual intercourse, deviate sexual intercourse, sexual bestiality, masturbation, sadomasochistic abuse, or lewd exhibition of the genitals or anus.

(11) “Telecommunications service” means the offering of telecommunications for a fee directly to the public, regardless of the facilities used.

C. (1) Possession of three or more of the same photographs, images, films, videotapes, or other visual reproductions shall be prima facie evidence of intent to sell or distribute.

(2) Possession of three or more photographs, images, films, videotapes, or other visual reproductions and possession of any type of file sharing technology or software shall be prima facie evidence of intent to sell or distribute.

D. (1) Lack of knowledge of the juvenile’s age shall not be a defense.

(2) It shall not be a defense to prosecution for a violation of this Section that the juvenile consented to participation in the activity prohibited by this Section.

E. (1)(a) Whoever intentionally possesses pornography involving juveniles shall be fined not more than fifty thousand dollars and shall be imprisoned at hard labor for not less than five years or more than twenty years, without benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence.

(b) On a second or subsequent conviction for the intentional possession of pornography involving juveniles, the offender shall be fined not more than seventy-five thousand dollars and imprisoned at hard labor for not less than ten years nor more than forty years, without benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence.

(2)(a) Whoever distributes or possesses with the intent to distribute pornography involving juveniles shall be fined not more than fifty thousand dollars and shall be imprisoned at hard labor for not less than five years or more than twenty years, without benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence.

(b) On a second or subsequent conviction for distributing or possessing with the intent to distribute pornography involving juveniles, the offender shall be fined not more than seventy-five thousand dollars and imprisoned at hard labor for not less than ten years nor more than forty years, without benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence.

(3) Any parent, legal guardian, or custodian of a child who consents to the participation of the child in pornography involving juveniles shall be fined not more than fifty thousand dollars and imprisoned at hard labor for not less than five years nor more than twenty years, without benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence.

(4)(a) Whoever engages in the promotion, advertisement, or production of pornography involving juveniles shall be fined not more than fifty thousand dollars and imprisoned at hard labor for not less than ten years nor more than twenty years, without benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence.

(b) On a second or subsequent conviction for promotion, advertisement, or production of pornography involving juveniles, the offender shall be fined not more than seventy-five thousand dollars and imprisoned at hard labor for not less than twenty years nor more than forty years, without benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence.

(5)(a) Whoever commits the crime of pornography involving juveniles punishable by the provisions of Paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of this Subsection when the victim is under the age of thirteen years and the offender is seventeen years of age or older shall be punished by imprisonment at hard labor for not less than one-half the longest term nor more than twice the longest term of imprisonment provided in Paragraph (1), (2), and (3) of this Subsection. The sentence imposed shall be served without benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence.

(b) Whoever commits the crime of pornography involving juveniles punishable by the provisions of Paragraph (4) of this Subsection when the victim is under the age of thirteen years, and the offender is seventeen years of age or older, shall be punished by imprisonment at hard labor for not less than twenty-five years nor more than ninety-nine years. At least twenty-five years of the sentence imposed shall be served without benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence.

(c) In addition, the court shall order that the personal property used in the commission of the offense, or the proceeds of any such conduct, shall be seized and impounded, and after conviction, sold at public sale or public auction by the district attorney, or otherwise distributed or disposed of, in accordance with R.S. 15:539.1.

(d) The personal property made subject to seizure and sale pursuant to Subparagraph (c) of this Paragraph may include, but shall not be limited to, electronic communication devices, computers, computer related equipment, motor vehicles, photographic equipment used to record or create still or moving visual images of the victim that are recorded on paper, film, video tape, disc, or any other type of digital recording media, and currency, instruments, or securities.

(e) Upon completion of the term of imprisonment imposed in accordance with Subparagraphs (5)(a) and (b) of this Subsection, the offender shall be monitored by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections through the use of electronic monitoring equipment for the remainder of his natural life.

(f) Unless it is determined by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, pursuant to rules adopted in accordance with the provisions of this Subsection, that a sexual offender is unable to pay all or any portion of such costs, each sexual offender to be electronically monitored shall pay the cost of such monitoring.

(g) The costs attributable to the electronic monitoring of an offender who has been determined unable to pay shall be borne by the department if, and only to the degree that sufficient funds are made available for such purpose whether by appropriation of state funds or from any other source.

(h) The Department of Public Safety and Corrections shall develop, adopt, and promulgate rules in the manner provided in the Administrative Procedure Act1, that provide for the payment of such costs. Such rules shall contain specific guidelines which shall be used to determine the ability of the offender to pay the required costs and shall establish the reasonable costs to be charged. Such rules may provide for a sliding scale of payment so that an offender who is able to pay a portion, but not all, of such costs may be required to pay such portion.

F. (1) Any evidence of pornography involving a child under the age of seventeen shall be contraband. Such contraband shall be seized in accordance with law and shall be disposed of in accordance with R.S. 46:1845.

(2) Upon the filing of any information or indictment by the prosecuting authority for a violation of this Section, the investigating law enforcement agency which seized the photographs, films, videotapes, or other visual reproductions of pornography involving juveniles shall provide copies of those reproductions to the Internet crimes against children division within the attorney general’s office.

(3) Upon receipt of the reproductions as provided in Paragraph (2) of this Subsection, the Internet crimes against children division shall:

(a) Provide those visual reproductions to the law enforcement agency representative assigned to the Child Victim Identification Program at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

(b) Request the Child Victim Identification Program provide the law enforcement agency contact information for any visual reproductions recovered which contain an identified victim of pornography involving juveniles as defined in this Section.

(c) Provide case information to the Child Victim Identification Program, as requested by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children guidelines, in any case where the Internet crimes against children division within the attorney general’s office identifies a previously unidentified victim of pornography involving juveniles.

(4) The Internet crimes against children division shall submit to the designated prosecutor the law enforcement agency contact information provided by the Child Victim Identification Program at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, for any visual reproductions involved in the case which contain the depiction of an identified victim of pornography involving juveniles as defined in this Section.

(5) In all cases in which the prosecuting authority has filed an indictment or information for a violation of this Section and the victim of pornography involving juveniles has been identified and is a resident of this state, the prosecuting agency shall submit all of the following information to the attorney general for entry into the Louisiana Attorney General’s Exploited Children’s Identification database maintained by that office:

(a) The parish, district, and docket number of the case.

(b) The name, race, sex, and date of birth of the defendant.

(c) The identity of the victim.

(d) The contact information for the law enforcement agency which identified a victim of pornography involving juveniles, including contact information maintained by the Child Victim Identification Program and provided to the Internet crimes against children division in accordance with this Section.

(6) No sentence, plea, conviction, or other final disposition shall be invalidated due to failure to comply with the provisions of this Subsection, and no person shall have a cause of action against the investigating law enforcement agency or any prosecuting authority, or officer or agent thereof for failure to comply with the provisions of this Subsection.

G. In prosecutions for violations of this Section, the trier of fact may determine, utilizing the following factors, whether or not the person displayed or depicted in any photograph, videotape, film, or other video reproduction introduced in evidence was under the age of seventeen years at the time of filming or recording:

(1) The general body growth, bone structure, and bone development of the person.

(2) The development of pubic or body hair on the person.

(3) The development of the person’s sexual organs.

(4) The context in which the person is placed or the age attributed to the person in any accompanying video, printed, or text material.

(5) Available expert testimony and opinion as to the chronological age or degree of physical or mental maturity or development of the person.

(6) Such other information, factors, and evidence available to the trier of fact which the court determines is probative and reasonably reliable.

H. The provisions of this Section shall not apply to a provider of an interactive computer service, provider of a telecommunications service, or a cable operator as defined by the provisions of this Section.

§ 81.1.1. “Sexting”; prohibited acts; penalties

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. (1) No person under the age of seventeen years shall knowingly and voluntarily use a computer or telecommunication device to transmit an indecent visual depiction of himself to another person.

(2) No person under the age of seventeen years shall knowingly possess or transmit an indecent visual depiction that was transmitted by another under the age of seventeen years in violation of the provisions of Paragraph (1) of this Subsection.

B. For purposes of this Section:

(1) “Indecent visual depiction” means any photograph, videotape, film, or other reproduction of a person under the age of seventeen years engaging in sexually explicit conduct, and includes data stored on any computer, telecommunication device, or other electronic storage media which is capable of conversion into a visual image.

(2) “Sexually explicit conduct” means masturbation or lewd exhibition of the genitals, pubic hair, anus, vulva, or female breast nipples of a person under the age of seventeen years.

(3) “Telecommunication device” means an analog or digital electronic device which processes data, telephonic, video, or sound transmission as part of any system involved in the sending or receiving of voice, sound, data, or video transmissions.

(4) “Transmit” means to give, distribute, transfer, transmute, circulate, or disseminate by use of a computer or telecommunication device.

C. Any offense committed by use of a computer or telecommunication device as set forth in this Section shall be deemed to have been committed at either the place from which the indecent visual depiction was transmitted or at the place where the indecent visual depiction was received.

D. (1) For a violation of the provisions of Paragraph (A)(1) of this Section, the offender’s disposition shall be governed exclusively by the provisions of Title VII of the Louisiana Children’s Code.

(2)(a) For a first offense in violation of Paragraph (A)(2) of this Section, the offender shall be fined not less than one hundred dollars nor more than two hundred fifty dollars, imprisoned for not more than ten days, or both. Imposition or execution of the sentence shall not be suspended unless the offender is placed on probation with a minimum condition that he perform two eight-hour days of court-approved community service.

(b) For a second offense in violation of Paragraph (A)(2) of this Section, the offender shall be fined not less than two hundred fifty dollars nor more than five hundred dollars, imprisoned for not less than ten days nor more than thirty days, or both. Imposition or execution of the sentence shall not be suspended unless the offender is placed on probation with a minimum condition that he perform five eight-hour days of court-approved community service.

(c) For a third or any subsequent offense in violation of Paragraph (A)(2) of this Section, the offender shall be fined not less than five hundred dollars nor more than seven hundred fifty dollars, imprisoned for not less than thirty days nor more than six months, or both. Imposition or execution of the sentence shall not be suspended unless the offender is placed on probation with a minimum condition that he perform ten eight-hour days of court-approved community service.

§ 81.2. Molestation of a juvenile or a person with a physical or mental disability

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. (1) Molestation of a juvenile is the commission by anyone over the age of seventeen of any lewd or lascivious act upon the person or in the presence of any child under the age of seventeen, where there is an age difference of greater than two years between the two persons, with the intention of arousing or gratifying the sexual desires of either person, by the use of force, violence, duress, menace, psychological intimidation, threat of great bodily harm, or by the use of influence by virtue of a position of control or supervision over the juvenile. Lack of knowledge of the juvenile’s age shall not be a defense.

(2) Molestation of a person with a physical or mental disability is the commission by anyone over the age of seventeen of any lewd or lascivious act upon the victim or in the presence of any victim with the intention of arousing or gratifying the sexual desires of either person, by the use of force, violence, duress, menace, psychological intimidation, threat of great bodily harm, or by the use of influence by virtue of a position of control or supervision over the victim, when any of the following conditions exist:

(a) The victim has paraplegia, quadriplegia, or is otherwise physically incapable of preventing the act due to a physical disability.

(b) The victim is incapable, through unsoundness of mind, of understanding the nature of the act, and the offender knew or should have known of the victim’s incapacity.

(c) The victim is sixty-five years of age or older.

B. (1) Whoever commits the crime of molestation of a juvenile, when the victim is thirteen years of age or older but has not yet attained the age of seventeen, shall be fined not more than five thousand dollars, or imprisoned, with or without hard labor, for not less than five nor more than ten years, or both. The defendant shall not be eligible to have his conviction set aside or his prosecution dismissed in accordance with the provisions of Code of Criminal Procedure Article 893.

(2) Whoever commits the crime of molestation of a juvenile, when the victim is thirteen years of age or older but has not yet attained the age of seventeen, and when the offender has control or supervision over the juvenile, shall be fined not more than ten thousand dollars, or imprisoned, with or without hard labor, for not less than five nor more than twenty years, or both. The defendant shall not be eligible to have his conviction set aside or his prosecution dismissed in accordance with Code of Criminal Procedure Article 893.

(3)(a) Whoever commits the crime of molestation of a juvenile, when the victim is thirteen years of age or older but has not yet attained the age of seventeen, and when the offender is an educator of the juvenile, shall be fined not more than ten thousand dollars, or imprisoned, with or without hard labor, for not less than five nor more than forty years, or both. At least five years of the sentence imposed shall be without the benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence, and the defendant shall not be eligible to have his conviction set aside or his prosecution dismissed in accordance with Code of Criminal Procedure Article 893.

(b) For purposes of this Subsection, “educator” means any teacher or instructor, administrator, staff person, or employee of any public or private elementary, secondary, vocational-technical training, special, or postsecondary school or institution, including any teacher aide, paraprofessional, school bus driver, food service worker, and other clerical, custodial, or maintenance personnel employed by a private, city, parish, or other local public school board.

C. (1) Whoever commits the crime of molestation of a juvenile by violating the provisions of Paragraph (A)(1) of this Section, when the incidents of molestation recur during a period of more than one year, shall, on first conviction, be fined not more than ten thousand dollars or imprisoned, with or without hard labor, for not less than five nor more than forty years, or both. At least five years of the sentence imposed shall be without benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence. After five years of the sentence have been served, the offender, who is otherwise eligible, may be eligible for parole if a licensed psychologist, medical psychologist, or a licensed clinical social worker or a board-certified psychiatrist, after psychological examination, including testing, approves.

(2) Conditions of parole shall include treatment in a qualified sex offender program for a minimum of five years, or until expiration of sentence, whichever comes first. The state shall be responsible for the cost of testing, but the offender shall be responsible for the cost of the treatment program. It shall also be a condition of parole that the offender be prohibited from being alone with a child without the supervision of another adult.

(3) For purposes of this Subsection, a “qualified sex offender program” means one which includes both group and individual therapy and arousal reconditioning. Group therapy shall be conducted by two therapists, one male and one female, at least one of whom is licensed as a psychologist or medical psychologist or is board certified as a psychiatrist or clinical social worker.

D. (1) Whoever commits the crime of molestation of a juvenile when the victim is under the age of thirteen years shall be imprisoned at hard labor for not less than twenty-five years nor more than ninety-nine years. At least twenty-five years of the sentence imposed shall be served without benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence.

(2) Whoever commits the crime of molestation of a person with a physical or mental disability shall be imprisoned at hard labor for not less than twenty-five years nor more than ninety-nine years. At least twenty-five years of the sentence imposed shall be served without benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence.

(3) Upon completion of the term of imprisonment imposed in accordance with Paragraphs (1) and (2) of this Subsection, the offender shall be monitored by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections through the use of electronic monitoring equipment for the remainder of his natural life.

(4) Unless it is determined by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, pursuant to rules adopted in accordance with the provisions of this Subsection, that a sexual offender is unable to pay all or any portion of such costs, each sexual offender to be electronically monitored shall pay the cost of such monitoring.

(5) The costs attributable to the electronic monitoring of an offender who has been determined unable to pay shall be borne by the department if, and only to the degree that, sufficient funds are made available for such purpose whether by appropriation of state funds or from any other source.

(6) The Department of Public Safety and Corrections shall develop, adopt, and promulgate rules in the manner provided in the Administrative Procedure Act1 that provide for the payment of such costs. Such rules shall contain specific guidelines which shall be used to determine the ability of the offender to pay the required costs and shall establish the reasonable costs to be charged. Such rules may provide for a sliding scale of payment so that an offender who is able to pay a portion, but not all, of such costs may be required to pay such portion.

E. Repealed by Acts 2020, No. 352, § 2.

2. Offenses Concerning Prostitution

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

§ 86. Enticing persons into prostitution

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. Enticing persons into prostitution is committed when any person over the age of seventeen entices, places, persuades, encourages, or causes the entrance of any other person under the age of twenty-one into the practice of prostitution, either by force, threats, promises, or by any other device or scheme. Lack of knowledge of the other person’s age shall not be a defense.

B. (1)(a) Whoever commits the crime of enticing persons into prostitution shall be imprisoned, with or without hard labor, for not less than two years nor more than ten years.

(b) Whoever commits the crime of enticing persons into prostitution when the person being enticed into prostitution is under the age of eighteen years shall be fined not more than fifty thousand dollars, imprisoned at hard labor for not less than fifteen years nor more than fifty years, or both.

(c) Whoever commits the crime of enticing persons into prostitution when the person being enticed into prostitution is under the age of fourteen years shall be fined not more than seventy-five thousand dollars, imprisoned at hard labor for not less than twenty-five years nor more than fifty years, or both.

(2) In addition, the court shall order that the personal property used in the commission of the offense, or the proceeds of any such conduct, shall be seized and impounded, and after conviction, sold at public sale or public auction by the district attorney, or otherwise distributed or disposed of, in accordance with R.S. 15:539.1.

(3) The personal property made subject to seizure and sale pursuant to Paragraph (2) of this Subsection may include, but shall not be limited to, electronic communication devices, computers, computer related equipment, motor vehicles, photographic equipment used to record or create still or moving visual images of the victim that are recorded on paper, film, video tape, disc, or any other type of digital recording media, and currency, instruments, or securities.

C. (1) It shall not be a defense to prosecution for a violation of this Section that the person being enticed is actually a law enforcement officer or peace officer acting in his official capacity.

(2) It shall not be a defense to prosecution for a violation of this Section that the person being enticed consented to the activity.

4. Crime Against Nature

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

§ 89. Crime against nature

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. Crime against nature is either of the following:

(1) The unnatural carnal copulation by a human being with another of the same sex or opposite sex, except that anal sexual intercourse between two human beings shall not be deemed as a crime against nature when done under any of the circumstances described in R.S. 14:41, 42, 42.1, or 43. Emission is not necessary; and, when committed by a human being with another, the use of the genital organ of one of the offenders of whatever sex is sufficient to constitute the crime.

(2) The marriage to, or sexual intercourse with, any ascendant or descendant, brother or sister, uncle or niece, aunt or nephew, with knowledge of their relationship. The relationship must be by consanguinity, but it is immaterial whether the parties to the act are related to one another by the whole or half blood. The provisions of this Paragraph shall not apply where one person, not a resident of this state at the time of the celebration of his marriage, contracted a marriage lawful at the place of celebration and thereafter removed to this state.

B. (1) Whoever commits the offense of crime against nature as defined by Paragraph (A)(1) of this Section shall be fined not more than two thousand dollars, imprisoned, with or without hard labor, for not more than five years, or both.

(2) Whoever commits the offense of crime against nature as defined by Paragraph (A)(1) of this Section with a person under the age of eighteen years shall be fined not more than fifty thousand dollars, imprisoned at hard labor for not less than fifteen years nor more than fifty years, or both.

(3) Whoever commits the offense of crime against nature as defined by Paragraph (A)(1) of this Section with a person under the age of fourteen years shall be fined not more than seventy-five thousand dollars, imprisoned at hard labor for not less than twenty-five years nor more than fifty years, or both.

(4) Whoever commits the offense of crime against nature as defined by Paragraph (A)(2) of this Section, where the crime is between an ascendant and descendant, or between brother and sister, shall be imprisoned at hard labor for not more than fifteen years.

(5) Whoever commits the offense of crime against nature as defined by Paragraph (A)(2) of this Section, where the crime is between uncle and niece, or aunt and nephew, shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars, imprisoned, with or without hard labor, for not more than five years, or both.

C. (1) It shall be an affirmative defense to prosecution for a violation of Paragraph (A)(1) of this Section that, during the time of the alleged commission of the offense, the defendant was a victim of trafficking of children for sexual purposes as provided in R.S. 14:46.3(E). Any child determined to be a victim pursuant to the provisions of this Paragraph shall be eligible for specialized services for sexually exploited children.

(2) It shall be an affirmative defense to prosecution for a violation of Paragraph (A)(1) of this Section that, during the time of the alleged commission of the offense, the defendant is determined to be a victim of human trafficking pursuant to the provisions of R.S. 14:46.2(F). Any person determined to be a victim pursuant to the provisions of this Paragraph shall be notified of any treatment or specialized services for sexually exploited persons to the extent that such services are available.

D. The provisions of Act No. 177 of the 2014 Regular Session and the provisions of Act No. 602 of the 2014 Regular Session incorporate the elements of the crimes of incest (R.S. 14:78) and aggravated incest (R.S. 14:78.1), as they existed prior to their repeal by these Acts, into the provisions of the crimes of crime against nature (R.S. 14:89) and aggravated crime against nature (R.S. 14:89.1), respectively. For purposes of the provisions amended by Act No. 177 of the 2014 Regular Session and Act No. 602 of the 2014 Regular Session, a conviction for a violation of R.S. 14:89(A)(2) shall be the same as a conviction for the crime of incest (R.S. 14:78) and a conviction for a violation of R.S. 14:89.1(A)(2) shall be the same as a conviction for the crime of aggravated incest (R.S. 14:78.1). Neither Act shall be construed to alleviate any person convicted or adjudicated delinquent of incest (R.S. 14:78) or aggravated incest (R.S. 14:78.1) from any requirement, obligation, or consequence imposed by law resulting from that conviction or adjudication including but not limited to any requirements regarding sex offender registration and notification, parental rights, probation, parole, sentencing, or any other requirement, obligation, or consequence imposed by law resulting from that conviction or adjudication.

E. Nothing in Act No. 485 of the 2018 Regular Session of the Legislature shall be construed to alleviate any person convicted or adjudicated delinquent of crime against nature (R.S. 14:89) from any requirement, obligation, or consequence imposed by law resulting from that conviction or adjudication including but not limited to any requirements regarding sex offender registration and notification, parental rights, probation, parole, sentencing, or any other requirement, obligation, or consequence imposed by law resulting from that conviction or adjudication.

§ 89.1. Aggravated crime against nature

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. Aggravated crime against nature is either of the following:

(1) An act as defined by R.S. 14:89(A)(1) committed under any one or more of the following circumstances:

(a) When the victim resists the act to the utmost, but such resistance is overcome by force.

(b) When the victim is prevented from resisting the act by threats of great and immediate bodily harm accompanied by apparent power of execution.

(c) When the victim is prevented from resisting the act because the offender is armed with a dangerous weapon.

(d) When as a result of an intellectual or mental disability or any unsoundness of mind, either temporary or permanent, the victim is incapable of giving consent and the offender knew or should have known of such incapacity.

(e) When the victim is incapable of resisting or of understanding the nature of the act, by reason of stupor or abnormal condition of mind produced by a narcotic or anesthetic agent, administered by or with the privity of the offender; or when he has such incapacity, by reason of a stupor or abnormal condition of mind from any cause, and the offender knew or should have known of such incapacity.

(f) When the victim is under the age of seventeen years and the offender is at least three years older than the victim.

(2)(a) The engaging in any prohibited act enumerated in Subparagraph (b) of this Paragraph with a person who is under eighteen years of age and who is known to the offender to be related to the offender as any of the following biological, step, or adoptive relatives: child, grandchild of any degree, brother, sister, half-brother, half-sister, uncle, aunt, nephew, or niece.

(b) The following are prohibited acts under this Paragraph:

(i) Sexual intercourse, sexual battery, second degree sexual battery, carnal knowledge of a juvenile, indecent behavior with juveniles, pornography involving juveniles, molestation of a juvenile or a person with a physical or mental disability, crime against nature, cruelty to juveniles, parent enticing a child into prostitution, or any other involvement of a child in sexual activity constituting a crime under the laws of this state.

(ii) Any lewd fondling or touching of the person of either the child or the offender, done or submitted to with the intent to arouse or to satisfy the sexual desires of either the child, the offender, or both.

(c) Consent shall not be a defense to prosecution for a violation of the provisions of this Paragraph.

B. Whoever commits the crime of aggravated crime against nature as defined by Paragraph (A)(1) of this Section shall be imprisoned at hard labor for not less than three nor more than fifteen years, such prison sentence to be without benefit of suspension of sentence, probation or parole.

C. (1) Whoever commits the crime of aggravated crime against nature as defined by Paragraph (A)(2) of this Section shall be fined an amount not to exceed fifty thousand dollars, or imprisoned, with or without hard labor, for a term not less than five years nor more than twenty years, or both.

(2) Whoever commits the crime of aggravated crime against nature as defined by Paragraph (A)(2) of this Section with a victim under the age of thirteen years when the offender is seventeen years of age or older shall be punished by imprisonment at hard labor for not less than twenty-five years nor more than ninety-nine years. At least twenty-five years of the sentence imposed shall be served without benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence.

(3) Upon completion of the term of imprisonment imposed in accordance with Paragraph (2) of this Subsection, the offender shall be monitored by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections through the use of electronic monitoring equipment for the remainder of his natural life.

(4) Unless it is determined by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, pursuant to rules adopted in accordance with the provisions of this Subsection, that a sexual offender is unable to pay all or any portion of such costs, each sexual offender to be electronically monitored shall pay the cost of such monitoring.

(5) The costs attributable to the electronic monitoring of an offender who has been determined unable to pay shall be borne by the department if, and only to, the degree that sufficient funds are made available for such purpose whether by appropriation of state funds or from any other source.

(6) The Department of Public Safety and Corrections shall develop, adopt, and promulgate rules in the manner provided in the Administrative Procedure Act that provide for the payment of such costs. Such rules shall contain specific guidelines which shall be used to determine the ability of the offender to pay the required costs and shall establish the reasonable costs to be charged. Such rules may provide for a sliding scale of payment so that an offender who is able to pay a portion, but not all, of such costs may be required to pay such portion.

D. (1) In addition to any sentence imposed under Subsection C of this Section, the court shall, after determining the financial resources and future ability of the offender to pay, require the offender, if able, to pay the victim’s reasonable costs of counseling that result from the offense.

(2) The amount, method, and time of payment shall be determined by the court either by ordering that documentation of the offender’s financial resources and future ability to pay restitution and of the victim’s pecuniary loss submitted by the victim be included in the presentence investigation and report, or the court may receive evidence of the offender’s ability to pay and the victim’s loss at the time of sentencing.

(3) The court may provide for payment to a victim up to but not in excess of the pecuniary loss caused by the offense. The offender may assert any defense that he could raise in a civil action for the loss sought to be compensated by the restitution order.

E. The provisions of Act No. 177 of the 2014 Regular Session and the provisions of the Act that originated as Senate Bill No. 333 of the 2014 Regular Session1 incorporate the elements of the crimes of incest (R.S. 14:78) and aggravated incest (R.S. 14:78.1), as they existed prior to their repeal by these Acts, into the provisions of the crimes of crime against nature (R.S. 14:89) and aggravated crime against nature (R.S. 14:89.1), respectively. For purposes of the provisions amended by Act No. 177 of the 2014 Regular Session and the Act that originated as Senate Bill No. 333 of the 2014 Regular Session, a conviction for a violation of R.S. 14:89(A)(2) shall be the same as a conviction for the crime of incest (R.S. 14:78) and a conviction for a violation of R.S. 14:89.1(A)(2) shall be the same as a conviction for the crime of aggravated incest (R.S. 14:78.1). Neither Act shall be construed to alleviate any person convicted or adjudicated delinquent of incest (R.S. 14:78) or aggravated incest (R.S. 14:78.1) from any requirement, obligation, or consequence imposed by law resulting from that conviction or adjudication including but not limited to any requirements regarding sex offender registration and notification, parental rights, probation, parole, sentencing, or any other requirement, obligation, or consequence imposed by law resulting from that conviction or adjudication.

Part VI. Offenses Affecting the Public Generally

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

Subpart A. Offenses Affecting the Public Safety

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

1. Illegal Carrying and Discharge of Weapons

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

§ 95.1. Possession of firearm or carrying concealed weapon by a person convicted of certain felonies

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. It is unlawful for any person who has been convicted of, or has been found not guilty by reason of insanity for, a crime of violence as defined in R.S. 14:2(B) which is a felony or simple burglary, burglary of a pharmacy, burglary of an inhabited dwelling, unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling, felony illegal use of weapons or dangerous instrumentalities, manufacture or possession of a delayed action incendiary device, manufacture or possession of a bomb, or possession of a firearm while in the possession of or during the sale or distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, or any violation of the Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Law1 which is a felony, or any crime which is defined as a sex offense in R.S. 15:541, or any crime defined as an attempt to commit one of the above-enumerated offenses under the laws of this state, or who has been convicted under the laws of any other state or of the United States or of any foreign government or country of a crime which, if committed in this state, would be one of the above-enumerated crimes, to possess a firearm or carry a concealed weapon.

B. Whoever is found guilty of violating the provisions of this Section shall be imprisoned at hard labor for not less than five nor more than twenty years without the benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence and be fined not less than one thousand dollars nor more than five thousand dollars. Notwithstanding the provisions of R.S. 14:27, whoever is found guilty of attempting to violate the provisions of this Section shall be imprisoned at hard labor for not more than seven and one-half years and fined not less than five hundred dollars nor more than two thousand five hundred dollars.

C. The provisions of this Section prohibiting the possession of firearms and carrying concealed weapons by persons who have been convicted of, or who have been found not guilty by reason of insanity for, certain felonies shall not apply to any person who has not been convicted of, or who has not been found not guilty by reason of insanity for, any felony for a period of ten years from the date of completion of sentence, probation, parole, suspension of sentence, or discharge from a mental institution by a court of competent jurisdiction.

D. If a violation of this Section is committed during the commission of a crime of violence as defined in R.S. 14:2(B), and the defendant has a prior conviction of a crime of violence, then the violation of this Section shall be designated as a crime of violence.

E. For the purposes of this Section, “firearm” means any pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun, machine gun, submachine gun, black powder weapon, or assault rifle which is designed to fire or is capable of firing fixed cartridge ammunition or from which a shot or projectile is discharged by an explosive.

§ 95.2. Carrying a firearm or dangerous weapon by a student or nonstudent on school property, at school-sponsored functions, or in a firearm-free zone

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. Carrying a firearm, or dangerous weapon as defined in R.S. 14:2, by a student or nonstudent on school property, at a school sponsored function, or in a firearm-free zone is unlawful and shall be defined as possession of any firearm or dangerous weapon, on one’s person, at any time while on a school campus, on school transportation, or at any school sponsored function in a specific designated area including but not limited to athletic competitions, dances, parties, or any extracurricular activities, or within one thousand feet of any school campus.

B. For purposes of this Section, the following words have the following meanings:

(1) “Campus” means all facilities and property within the boundary of the school property.

(2) “Nonstudent” means any person not registered and enrolled in that school or a suspended student who does not have permission to be on the school campus.

(3) “School” means any elementary, secondary, high school, vocational-technical school, college, or university in this state.

(4) “School bus” means any motor bus being used to transport children to and from school or in connection with school activities.

C. The provisions of this Section shall not apply to:

(1) A federal law enforcement officer or a Louisiana-commissioned state or local Post Certified law enforcement officer who is authorized to carry a firearm.

(2) A school official or employee acting during the normal course of his employment or a student acting under the direction of such school official or employee.

(3) Any person having the written permission of the principal or as provided in R.S. 17:3361.1.

(4) The possession of a firearm occurring within one thousand feet of school property and entirely on private property, or entirely within a private residence.

(5) Any constitutionally protected activity which cannot be regulated by the state, such as a firearm contained entirely within a motor vehicle.

(6) Any student carrying a firearm to or from a class, in which he is duly enrolled, that requires the use of the firearm in the class.

(7) A student enrolled or participating in an activity requiring the use of a firearm including but not limited to any ROTC function under the authorization of a university.

(8) A student who possesses a firearm in his dormitory room or while going to or from his vehicle or any other person with permission of the administration.

(9) Any person who has a valid concealed handgun permit issued pursuant to R.S. 40:1379.1 or 1379.3 and who carries a concealed handgun within one thousand feet of any school campus.

D. (1) Whoever commits the crime of carrying a firearm, or a dangerous weapon as defined in R.S. 14:2, by a student or nonstudent on school property, at a school-sponsored function, or in a firearm-free zone shall be imprisoned at hard labor for not more than five years.

(2) Whoever commits the crime of carrying a firearm, or a dangerous weapon as defined in R.S. 14:2, on school property or in a firearm-free zone with the firearm or dangerous weapon being used in the commission of a crime of violence as defined in R.S. 14:2(B) on school property or in a firearm-free zone, shall be fined not more than two thousand dollars, or imprisoned, with or without hard labor, for not less than one year nor more than five years, or both. Any sentence issued pursuant to the provisions of this Paragraph and any sentence issued pursuant to a violation of a crime of violence as defined in R.S. 14:2(B) shall be served consecutively. Upon commitment to the Department of Public Safety and Corrections after conviction for a crime committed on school property, at a school-sponsored function or in a firearm-free zone, the department shall have the offender evaluated through appropriate examinations or tests conducted under the supervision of the department. Such evaluation shall be made within thirty days of the order of commitment.

E. Lack of knowledge that the prohibited act occurred on or within one thousand feet of school property shall not be a defense.

F. (1) School officials shall notify all students and parents of the impact of this legislation and shall post notices of the impact of this Section at each major point of entry to the school. These notices shall be maintained as permanent notices.

(2)(a) If a student is detained by the principal or other school official for violation of this Section or the school principal or other school official confiscates or seizes a firearm or concealed weapon from a student while upon school property, at a school function, or on a school bus, the principal or other school official in charge at the time of the detention or seizure shall immediately report the detention or seizure to the police department or sheriff’s department where the school is located and shall deliver any firearm or weapon seized to that agency.

(b) The confiscated weapon shall be disposed of or destroyed as provided by law.

(3) If a student is detained pursuant to Paragraph (2) of this Subsection for carrying a concealed weapon on campus, the principal shall immediately notify the student’s parents.

(4) If a person is arrested for carrying a concealed weapon on campus by a university or college police officer, the weapon shall be given to the sheriff, chief of police, or other officer to whom custody of the arrested person is transferred as provided by R.S. 17:1805(B).

G. Any principal or school official in charge who fails to report the detention of a student or the seizure of a firearm or concealed weapon to a law enforcement agency as required by Paragraph (F)(2) of this Section within seventy-two hours of notice of the detention or seizure may be issued a misdemeanor summons for a violation hereof and may be fined not more than five hundred dollars or sentenced to not more than forty hours of community service, or both. Upon successful completion of the community service or payment of the fine, or both, the arrest and conviction shall be set aside as provided for in Code of Criminal Procedure Article 894(B).

§ 95.8. Illegal possession of a handgun by a juvenile

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. It is unlawful for any person who has not attained the age of seventeen years knowingly to possess any handgun on his person. Any person possessing any handgun in violation of this Section commits the offense of illegal possession of a handgun by a juvenile.

B. (1) On a first conviction, the offender shall be fined not more than one hundred dollars and imprisoned for not less than ninety days and not more than six months.

(2) On a second conviction, the offender shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars and imprisoned with or without hard labor for not more than two years.

(3) On a third or subsequent conviction, the offender shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars and imprisoned at hard labor for not more than five years.

(4) A juvenile adjudicated delinquent under this Section, having been previously found guilty or adjudicated delinquent for any crime of violence as defined by R.S. 14:2(B), or attempt or conspiracy to commit any such offense, shall upon a first or subsequent conviction be fined not less than five hundred dollars and not more than one thousand dollars and shall be imprisoned with or without hard labor for not less than six months and not more than five years. At least ninety days shall be served without benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence.

C. The provisions of this Section shall not apply to any person under the age of seventeen years who is:

(1) Attending a hunter’s safety course or a firearms safety course.

(2) Engaging in practice in the use of a firearm or target shooting at an established range.

(3) Hunting or trapping pursuant to a valid license issued to him pursuant to the laws of this state.

(4) Traveling to or from any activity described in Paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of this Subsection while in possession of an unloaded gun.

(5) On real property with the permission of his parent or legal guardian and with the permission of the owner or lessee of the property.

(6) At such person’s residence and who, with the permission of such person’s parent or legal guardian, possesses a handgun.

(7) Possessing a handgun with the written permission of such person’s parent or legal guardian; provided that such person carries on his person a copy of such written permission.

D. For the purposes of this Section “handgun” means a firearm as defined in R.S. 14:37.2, provided however, that the barrel length shall not exceed twelve inches.

§ 95.10. Possession of a firearm or carrying of a concealed weapon by a person convicted of domestic abuse battery and certain offenses of battery of a dating partner

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. It is unlawful for any person who has been convicted of any of the following offenses to possess a firearm or carry a concealed weapon:

(1) Domestic abuse battery (R.S. 14:35.3).

(2) A second or subsequent offense of battery of a dating partner (R.S. 14:34.9).

(3) Battery of a dating partner when the offense involves strangulation (R.S. 14:34.9(K)).

(4) Battery of a dating partner when the offense involves burning (R.S. 14:34.9(L)).

B. Whoever is found guilty of violating the provisions of this Section shall be imprisoned with or without hard labor for not less than one year nor more than twenty years without the benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence, and shall be fined not less than one thousand dollars nor more than five thousand dollars.

C. A person shall not be considered to have been convicted of domestic abuse battery or battery of a dating partner for purposes of this Section unless the person was represented by counsel in the case, or knowingly and intelligently waived the right to counsel in the case; and in the case of a prosecution for an offense described in this Section for which a person was entitled to a jury trial in the jurisdiction in which the case was tried, either the case was tried by a jury, or the person knowingly and intelligently waived the right to have the case tried by a jury, by guilty plea or otherwise. A person shall not be considered convicted of R.S. 14:34.9 or 35.3 for the purposes of this Section if the conviction has been expunged, set aside, or is an offense for which the person has been pardoned or had civil rights restored unless the pardon, expungement, or restoration of civil rights expressly provides that the person may not ship, possess, or receive firearms.

D. For the provisions of this Section, “firearm” means any pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun, machine gun, submachine gun, black powder weapon, or assault rifle which is designed to fire or is capable of firing fixed cartridge ammunition or from which a shot or projectile is discharged by an explosive.

E. The provisions of this Section prohibiting the possession of firearms and carrying concealed weapons by persons who have been convicted of the offenses set forth in Subsection A of this Section shall not apply to any person who has not been convicted of any of the offenses set forth in Subsection A of this Section for a period of ten years from the date of completion of sentence, probation, parole, or suspension of sentence.

Subpart C. Offenses Affecting the General Peace and Order

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

§ 106. Obscenity

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. The crime of obscenity is the intentional:

(1) Exposure of the genitals, pubic hair, anus, vulva, or female breast nipples in any public place or place open to the public view, or in any prison or jail, with the intent of arousing sexual desire or which appeals to prurient interest or is patently offensive.

(2)(a) Participation or engagement in, or management, operation, production, presentation, performance, promotion, exhibition, advertisement, sponsorship, electronic communication, or display of, hard core sexual conduct when the trier of fact determines that the average person applying contemporary community standards would find that the conduct, taken as a whole, appeals to the prurient interest; and the hard core sexual conduct, as specifically defined herein, is presented in a patently offensive way; and the conduct taken as a whole lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value.

(b) Hard core sexual conduct is the public portrayal, for its own sake, and for ensuing commercial gain of:

(i) Ultimate sexual acts, normal or perverted, actual, simulated, or animated, whether between human beings, animals, or an animal and a human being; or

(ii) Masturbation, excretory functions or lewd exhibition, actual, simulated, or animated, of the genitals, pubic hair, anus, vulva, or female breast nipples; or

(iii) Sadomasochistic abuse, meaning actual, simulated or animated, flagellation, or torture by or upon a person who is nude or clad in undergarments or in a costume that reveals the pubic hair, anus, vulva, genitals, or female breast nipples, or in the condition of being fettered, bound, or otherwise physically restrained, on the part of one so clothed; or

(iv) Actual, simulated, or animated touching, caressing, or fondling of, or other similar physical contact with a pubic area, anus, female breast nipple, covered or exposed, whether alone or between humans, animals, or a human and an animal, of the same or opposite sex, in an act of apparent sexual stimulation or gratification; or

(v) Actual, simulated, or animated stimulation of a human genital organ by any device whether or not the device is designed, manufactured, or marketed for such purpose.

(3)(a) Sale, allocation, consignment, distribution, dissemination, advertisement, exhibition, electronic communication, or display of obscene material, or the preparation, manufacture, publication, electronic communication, or printing of obscene material for sale, allocation, consignment, distribution, advertisement, exhibition, electronic communication, or display.

(b) Obscene material is any tangible work or thing which the trier of fact determines that the average person applying contemporary community standards would find, taken as a whole, appeals to the prurient interest, and which depicts or describes in a patently offensive way, hard core sexual conduct specifically defined in Paragraph (2) of this Subsection, and the work or thing taken as a whole lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value.

(4) Requiring as a condition to a sale, allocation, consignment, or delivery for resale of any paper, magazine, book, periodical, or publication to a purchaser or consignee that such purchaser or consignee also receive or accept any obscene material, as defined in Paragraph (3) of this Subsection, for resale, distribution, display, advertisement, electronic communication, or exhibition purposes; or, denying or threatening to deny a franchise to, or imposing a penalty, on or against, a person by reason of his refusal to accept, or his return of, such obscene material.

(5) Solicitation or enticement of an unmarried person under the age of seventeen years to commit any act prohibited by Paragraphs (1), (2), or (3) of this Subsection.

(6) Advertisement, exhibition, electronic communication, or display of sexually violent material. “Violent material” is any tangible work or thing which the trier of facts determines depicts actual or simulated patently offensive acts of violence, including but not limited to, acts depicting sadistic conduct, whippings, beatings, torture, and mutilation of the human body, as described in Item (2)(b)(iii) of this Subsection.

(7)(a) Transmission or causing the transmission by a person, knowing the content of an advertisement to be sexually explicit as defined in this Paragraph, of an unsolicited advertisement containing sexually explicit materials in an electronic communication to one or more persons within this state without including in the advertisement the term “ADV-ADULT” at the beginning of the subject line of the advertisement. A “subject line” is the area of an electronic communication that contains a summary description of the content of the message.

(b) As used in this Paragraph, “sexually explicit” means the graphic depiction of sex, including but not limited to sexual audio, text, or images; depiction of sexual activity; nudity; or sexually oriented language.

(8)(a) Transmission or causing the transmission by a person, knowing its content to be sexually explicit as defined in this Paragraph, of an unsolicited text message containing sexually explicit materials to a wireless telecommunications device of one or more persons within this state.

(b) As used in this Paragraph:

(i) “Sexually explicit” means the graphic depiction of sex, including but not limited to sexual audio, text, or images, the depiction of sexual activity, nudity, or sexually oriented language and is obscene as defined in Subparagraph (A)(3)(b) of this Section.

(ii) “Wireless telecommunications device” means a cellular telephone, a text-messaging device, a personal digital assistant, a tablet computer, or any other substantially similar wireless device.

B. Lack of knowledge of age or marital status shall not constitute a defense.

C. If any employee of a theatre or bookstore acting in the course or scope of his employment, is arrested for an offense designated in this Section, the employer shall reimburse the employee for all attorney’s fees and other costs of defense of such employee. Such fees and expenses may be fixed by the court exercising criminal jurisdiction after contradictory hearing or by ordinary civil process.

D. (1) The provisions of this Section do not apply to recognized and established schools, churches, museums, medical clinics, hospitals, physicians, public libraries, governmental agencies, quasi-governmental sponsored organizations and persons acting in their capacity as employees or agents of such organizations, or a person solely employed to operate a movie projector in a duly licensed theatre.

(2) For the purpose of this Subsection, the following words and terms shall have the respective meanings defined as follows:

(a) “Churches” means any church, affiliated with a national or regional denomination.

(b) “Medical clinics and hospitals” means any clinic or hospital of licensed physicians or psychiatrists used for the reception and care of persons who are sick, wounded, or infirm.

(c) “Physicians” means any licensed physician or psychiatrist.

(d) “Recognized and established schools” means schools having a full time faculty and pupils, gathered together for instruction in a diversified curriculum.

E. This Section does not preempt, nor shall anything in this Section be construed to preempt, the regulation of obscenity by municipalities, parishes, and consolidated city-parish governments; however, in order to promote uniform obscenity legislation throughout the state, the regulation of obscenity by municipalities, parishes, and consolidated city-parish governments shall not exceed the scope of the regulatory prohibitions contained in the provisions of this Section.

F. (1) Except for those motion pictures, printed materials, electronic communication and photographic materials showing actual ultimate sexual acts or simulated or animated ultimate sexual acts when there is an explicit, close-up depiction of human genital organs so as to give the appearance of the consummation of ultimate sexual acts, no person, firm, or corporation shall be arrested, charged, or indicted for any violations of a provision of this Section until such time as the material involved has first been the subject of an adversarial hearing under the provisions of this Section, wherein such person, firm, or corporation is made a defendant and, after such material is declared by the court to be obscene, such person, firm, or corporation continues to engage in the conduct prohibited by this Section. The sole issue at the hearing shall be whether the material is obscene.

(2) The hearing shall be held before the district court having jurisdiction over the proceedings within seventy-two hours after receipt of notice by the person, firm, or corporation. The person, firm, or corporation shall be given notice of the hearing by registered mail or by personal service on the owner, manager, or other person having a financial interest in the material; provided, if there is no such person on the premises, then notice may be given by personal service on any employee of the person, firm, or corporation on such premises. The notice shall state the nature of the violation, the date, place, and time of the hearing, and the right to present and cross-examine witnesses.

(3) The state or any defendant may appeal from a judgment. Such appeal shall not stay the judgment. Any defendant engaging in conduct prohibited by this Section subsequent to notice of the judgment, finding the material to be obscene, shall be subject to criminal prosecution notwithstanding the appeal from the judgment.

(4) No determination by the district court pursuant to this Section shall be of any force and effect outside the judicial district in which made and no such determination shall be res judicata in any proceeding in any other judicial district. In addition, evidence of any hearing held pursuant to this Section shall not be competent or admissible in any criminal action for the violation of any other Section of this Title; provided, however, that in any criminal action, charging the violation of any other Section of this Title, against any person, firm, or corporation that was a defendant in such hearing, involving the same material declared to be obscene under the provisions of this Section, then evidence of such hearing shall be competent and admissible as bearing on the issue of scienter only.

G. (1) Except as provided in Paragraph (5) of this Subsection, on a first conviction, whoever commits the crime of obscenity shall be fined not less than one thousand dollars nor more than two thousand five hundred dollars, or imprisoned, with or without hard labor, for not less than six months nor more than three years, or both.

(2)(a) Except as provided in Paragraph (5) of this Subsection, on a second conviction, the offender shall be imprisoned, with or without hard labor for not less than six months nor more than three years, and in addition may be fined not less than two thousand five hundred dollars nor more than five thousand dollars.

(b) The imprisonment provided for in Subparagraph (a) of this Paragraph, may be imposed at court discretion if the court determines that the offender, due to his employment, could not avoid engagement in the offense. This Subparagraph shall not apply to the manager or other person in charge of an establishment selling or exhibiting obscene material.

(3) Except as provided in Paragraph (5) of this Subsection, on a third or subsequent conviction, the offender shall be imprisoned with or without hard labor for not less than two years nor more than five years, and in addition may be fined not less than five thousand dollars nor more than ten thousand dollars.

(4) When a violation of Paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of Subsection A of this Section is with or in the presence of an unmarried person under the age of seventeen years, the offender shall be fined not more than ten thousand dollars and shall be imprisoned, with or without hard labor, for not less than two years nor more than five years, without benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence.

(5) Whoever violates the provisions of Paragraphs (A)(7) or (A)(8) of this Section may be fined not less than one hundred dollars nor more than five hundred dollars.

H. (1) When a corporation is charged with violating this Section, the corporation, the president, the vice president, the secretary, and the treasurer may all be named as defendants. Upon conviction for a violation of this Section, a corporation shall be sentenced in accordance with Subsection G of this Section. All corporate officers who are named as defendants shall be subject to the penalty provisions of this Section as set forth in Subsection G of this Section.

(2) If the corporation is domiciled in this state, upon indictment or information filed against the corporation, a notice of arraignment shall be served upon the corporation, or its designated agent for service of process, which then must appear before the district court in which the prosecution is pending to plead to the charge within fifteen days of service. If no appearance is made within fifteen days, an attorney shall be appointed by the court to represent the defendant corporation with respect to the charge or to show cause why the corporation should not be enjoined from continuing in business during the pendency of the criminal proceedings. Appearance for arraignment may be made through private counsel.

(3) If the corporation is domiciled out of state and is registered to do business in Louisiana, notice of arraignment shall be served upon the corporate agent for service of process or the secretary of state, who shall then notify the corporation charged by indictment or information to appear before the district court in which the prosecution is pending for arraignment within sixty days after the notice is mailed by the secretary of state. If no appearance is made within sixty days the court shall appoint an attorney to represent the defendant corporation with respect to the charge or to show cause why the corporation should not be enjoined from continuing in business during the pendency of the criminal proceedings. Appearance for arraignment may be made by private counsel.

(4) If the corporation is domiciled out of state and is not registered to do business in Louisiana, notice of arraignment of the corporation shall be served upon the secretary of state and an employee, officer, or agent for service of process of the corporation found within the parish where the violation of this Section has allegedly occurred. Such notice shall act as a bar to that corporation registering to do business in Louisiana until it appears before the district court in which the prosecution is pending to answer the charge.

I. (1)(a) When an act of obscenity as defined in Paragraph (A)(1) of this Section is reported, the law enforcement agency acting in response to the reported incident shall provide notice of the incident to the principal or headmaster of each school located within two thousand feet of where the incident occurred. This notice shall be provided by the law enforcement agency to the principal or headmaster within twenty-four hours of receiving the report of the incident and by any reasonable means, including but not limited to live or recorded telephone message or electronic mail.

(b) The notice required by the provisions of Subparagraph (a) of this Paragraph shall include the date, time, and location of the incident, a brief description of the incident, and a brief description of the physical characteristics of the alleged offender which may include but shall not be limited to the alleged offender’s sex, race, hair color, eye color, height, age, and weight.

(2)(a) Within twenty-four hours of receiving notice of the incident from law enforcement pursuant to the provisions of Paragraph (1) of this Subsection, the principal or headmaster shall provide notice of the incident to the parents of all students enrolled at the school by any reasonable means, including but not limited to live or recorded telephone message or electronic mail.

(b) The notice required by the provisions of Subparagraph (a) of this Paragraph shall include the same information required for the notice provided in Paragraph (1) of this Subsection to the extent that the information is provided by law enforcement to the principal or headmaster of the school.

(3) When the expiration of the twenty-four-hour period occurs on a weekend or holiday, notice shall be provided no later than the end of the next regular school day.

(4) For purposes of this Subsection, “school” means any public or private elementary or secondary school in this state, including all facilities of the school located within the geographical boundaries of the school property.

(5) The principal, headmaster, school, owner of the school, operator of the school, and the insurer or self-insurance program for the school shall be immune from any liability that arises as a result of compliance or noncompliance with this Subsection, except for any willful violation of the provisions of this Subsection.

Chapter 2. Miscellaneous Crimes and Offenses

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

Part II. Offenses Affecting Public Morals

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

§ 283. Video voyeurism; penalties

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. Video voyeurism is any of the following:

(1) The use of any camera, videotape, photo-optical, photo-electric, or any other image recording device, or an unmanned aircraft system equipped with any camera, videotape, photo-optical, photo-electric, or any other image recording device, for the purpose of observing, viewing, photographing, filming, or videotaping a person where that person has not consented to the specific instance of observing, viewing, photographing, filming, or videotaping and either:

(a) It is for a lewd or lascivious purpose.

(b) The observing, viewing, photographing, filming, or videotaping is as described in Paragraph (B)(3) of this Section and occurs in a place where an identifiable person has a reasonable expectation of privacy.

(2) The transfer of an image obtained by activity described in Paragraph (1) of this Subsection by live or recorded telephone message, electronic mail, the Internet, or a commercial online service.

(3) The manipulation of a victim who has not yet attained the age of seventeen or who is reasonably believed to have not yet attained the age of seventeen to use any camera, videotape, photo-optical, photo-electric, or any other image recording device or an unmanned aircraft system equipped with any camera, videotape, photo-optical, photo-electric, or any other image recording device to photograph, film, or videotape oneself to send to the person manipulating the victim for a lewd or lascivious purpose.

B. (1) Except as provided in Paragraphs (3) and (4) of this Subsection, whoever commits the crime of video voyeurism shall, upon a first conviction thereof, be fined not more than two thousand dollars or imprisoned, with or without hard labor, for not more than two years, or both.

(2) On a second or subsequent conviction, the offender shall be fined not more than two thousand dollars and imprisoned at hard labor for not less than six months nor more than three years without benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence.

(3) Whoever commits the crime of video voyeurism when the observing, viewing, photographing, filming, or videotaping is of any vaginal or anal sexual intercourse, actual or simulated sexual intercourse, masturbation, any portion of the female breast below the top of the areola or of any portion of the pubic hair, anus, cleft of the buttocks, vulva, or genitals shall be fined not more than ten thousand dollars and be imprisoned at hard labor for not less than one year or more than five years, without benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence.

(4) Whoever commits the crime of video voyeurism when the observing, viewing, photographing, filming, or videotaping is of any child under the age of seventeen with the intention of arousing or gratifying the sexual desires of the offender shall be fined not more than ten thousand dollars and be imprisoned at hard labor for not less than two years or more than ten years without benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence.

C. The provisions of this Section shall not apply to the transference of such images by a telephone company, cable television company, or any of its affiliates, an Internet provider, or commercial online service provider, or to the carrying, broadcasting, or performing of related activities in providing telephone, cable television, Internet, or commercial online services.

D, E. Repealed by Acts 2020, No. 352, § 2.

F. A violation of the provisions of this Section shall be considered a sex offense as defined in R.S. 15:541. Whoever commits the crime of video voyeurism shall be required to register as a sex offender as provided for in Chapter 3-B of Title 15 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950.

G. For purposes of this Section, “unmanned aircraft system” means an unmanned, powered aircraft that does not carry a human operator, can be autonomous or remotely piloted or operated, and can be expendable or recoverable.H. This Section shall not apply to any bona fide news or public interest broadcast, website, video, report, or event and shall not be construed to affect the rights of any news-gathering organization.

§ 283.1. Voyeurism; penalties

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A. Voyeurism is the viewing, observing, spying upon, or invading the privacy of a person by looking or using an unmanned aircraft system to look through the doors, windows, or other openings of a private residence without the consent of the victim who has a reasonable expectation of privacy for the purpose of arousing or gratifying the sexual desires of the offender.

B. (1) Whoever commits the crime of voyeurism, upon a first conviction, shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars, imprisoned for not more than six months, or both.

(2) Upon a second or subsequent conviction, the offender shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars, imprisoned with or without hard labor for not more than one year, or both.

C. For purposes of this Section, “unmanned aircraft system” means an unmanned, powered aircraft that does not carry a human operator, can be autonomous or remotely piloted or operated, and can be expendable or recoverable.

§ 283.2. Nonconsensual disclosure of a private image

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A. A person commits the offense of nonconsensual disclosure of a private image when all of the following occur:

(1) The person intentionally discloses an image of another person who is seventeen years of age or older, who is identifiable from the image or information displayed in connection with the image, and whose intimate parts are exposed in whole or in part.

(2) The person who discloses the image obtained it under circumstances in which a reasonable person would know or understand that the image was to remain private.

(3) The person who discloses the image knew or should have known that the person in the image did not consent to the disclosure of the image.

(4) The person who discloses the image has the intent to harass or cause emotional distress to the person in the image, and the person who commits the offense knew or should have known that the disclosure could harass or cause emotional distress to the person in the image.

B. Disclosure of an image under any of the following circumstances does not constitute commission of the offense defined in Subsection A of this Section:

(1) When the disclosure is made by any criminal justice agency for the purpose of a criminal investigation that is otherwise lawful.

(2) When the disclosure is made for the purpose of, or in connection with, the reporting of unlawful conduct to law enforcement or a criminal justice agency.

(3) When the person depicted in the image voluntarily or knowingly exposed his or her intimate parts in a public setting.

(4) When the image is related to a matter of public interest, public concern, or related to a public figure who is intimately involved in the resolution of important public questions, or by reason of his fame shapes events in areas of concern to society.

C. For purposes of this Section:

(1) “Criminal justice agency” means any government agency or subunit thereof, or private agency that, through statutory authorization or a legal formal agreement with a governmental unit or agency, has the power of investigation, arrest, detention, prosecution, adjudication, treatment, supervision, rehabilitation, or release of persons suspected, charged, or convicted of a crime; or that collects, stores, processes, transmits, or disseminates criminal history records or crime information.

(2) “Disclosure” means to, electronically or otherwise, transfer, give, provide, distribute, mail, deliver, circulate, publish on the internet, or disseminate by any means.

(3) “Image” means any photograph, film, videotape, digital recording, or other depiction or portrayal of an object, including a human body.

(4) “Intimate parts” means the fully unclothed, partially unclothed, or transparently clothed genitals, pubic area, or anus. If the person depicted in the image is a female, “intimate parts” also means a partially or fully exposed nipple, including exposure through transparent clothing.

D. Nothing in this Section shall be construed to impose liability on the provider of an interactive computer service as defined by 47 U.S.C. 230(f)(2), an information service as defined by 47 U.S.C. 153(24), or a telecommunications service as defined by 47 U.S.C. 153(53), for content provided by another person.

E. Whoever commits the offense of nonconsensual disclosure of a private image shall be fined not more than ten thousand dollars, imprisoned with or without hard labor for not more than two years, or both.

§ 285. Unlawful communications; telephones and telecommunications devices; improper language; harassment; penalty

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A. No person shall:

(1) Engage in or institute a telephone call, telephone conversation, or telephone conference, with another person, or use any telecommunications device to send any text message or other message to another person directly, anonymously or otherwise, and therein use obscene, profane, vulgar, lewd, or lascivious language, or make any suggestion or proposal of an obscene nature or threaten any illegal or immoral act with the intent to coerce, intimidate, or harass any person.

(2) Make repeated telephone communications or send repeated text messages or other messages using any telecommunications device directly to a person anonymously or otherwise in a manner reasonably expected to abuse, torment, harass, embarrass, or offend another, whether or not conversation ensues.

(3) Make a telephone call and intentionally fail to hang up or disengage the connection.

(4) Engage in a telephone call, conference, or recorded communication by using obscene language or by making a graphic description of a sexual act, or use any telecommunications device to send any text message or other message containing obscene language or any obscene content, anonymously or otherwise, directly to another person, when the offender knows or reasonably should know that such obscene or graphic language is directed to, or will be heard by, a minor. Lack of knowledge of age shall not constitute a defense.

(5) Knowingly permit any telephone or any other telecommunications device under his control to be used for any purpose prohibited by this Section.

B. Any offense as set forth in this Section shall be deemed to have been committed at either the place where the communication originated or at the place where the communication was received.

C. Whoever violates the provisions of this Section shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars, or imprisoned for not more than six months, or both.

D. Upon second or subsequent offenses, the offender shall be fined not more than five thousand dollars, or imprisoned with or without hard labor for not more than two years, or both.

E. For the purposes of this Section, “telecommunications device” shall mean any type of instrument, device, or machine that is capable of transmitting or receiving telephonic, electronic, radio, text, or data communications, including but not limited to a cellular telephone, a text-messaging device, a personal digital assistant, a computer, or any other similar wireless device that is designed to engage in a call or communicate text or data.

Part III. Offenses Affecting the Public Generally

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§ 323. Tracking devices prohobited

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A. No person shall use a tracking device to determine the location or movement of another person without the consent of that person.

B. The following penalties shall be imposed for a violation of this Section:

(1) For the first offense, the fine shall be not less than five hundred dollars nor more than one thousand dollars, or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both.

(2) For the second offense, the fine shall be not less than seven hundred fifty dollars nor more than one thousand five hundred dollars, or imprisonment for not less than thirty days nor more than six months, or both.

(3) For the third offense and all subsequent offenses, the fine shall be not less than one thousand dollars nor more than two thousand dollars, or imprisonment for not less than sixty days nor more than one year, or both.

C. The provisions of this Section shall not apply to the following:

(1) The owner of a motor vehicle, including the owner of a vehicle available for rent, who has consented to the use of the tracking device with respect to such vehicle.

(2) The lessor or lessee of a motor vehicle and the person operating the motor vehicle who have consented to the use of a tracking device with respect to such vehicle.

(3) Any law enforcement agency, including state, federal, and military law enforcement agencies, who is acting pursuant to a court order or lawfully using the tracking device in an ongoing criminal investigation, provided that the law enforcement officer employing the tracking device creates a contemporaneous record describing in detail the circumstances under which the tracking device is being used.

(4)(a) A parent or legal guardian of a minor child whose location or movements are being tracked by the parent or legal guardian.

(b) When the parents of the minor child are living separate and apart or are divorced from one another, this exception shall apply only if both parents consent to the tracking of the minor child’s location and movements, unless one parent has been granted sole custody, in which case consent of the noncustodial parent shall not be required.

(5) The Department of Public Safety and Corrections tracking an offender who is under its custody or supervision.

(6) Any provider of a commercial mobile radio service (CMRS), such as a mobile telephone service or vehicle safety or security service, which allows the provider of CMRS to determine the location or movement of a device provided to a customer of such service.

(7) Any commercial motor carrier operation.

(8) Any employer that provides a cellular device to employees for use during the course and scope of employment.

D. For the purposes of this Section, a “tracking device” means any device that reveals its location or movement by the transmission of electronic signals.

Part V. Offenses Affecting Law Enforcement

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§ 403. Abuse of children; reports; waiver of privilege

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A. (1)(a) Any person who, pursuant to Children’s Code Article 609(A), is required to report the abuse or neglect of a child and knowingly and willfully fails to so report shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than six months, or both.

(b)(i) Any person who, pursuant to Children’s Code Article 609(A), is required to report the sexual abuse of a child, or the abuse or neglect of a child that results in the serious bodily injury, neurological impairment, or death of the child, and the person knowingly and willfully fails to so report, shall be fined not more than three thousand dollars, imprisoned, with or without hard labor, for not more than three years, or both.

(ii) For purposes of this Subparagraph, “serious bodily injury” includes but is not limited to injury involving protracted and obvious disfigurement or protracted loss or impairment of the function of a bodily member, organ, or mental faculty, or substantial risk of death, or injury resulting from starvation or malnutrition.

(2) Any person, any employee of a local child protection unit of the Department of Children and Family Services, any employee of any local law enforcement agency, any employee or agent of any state department, or any school employee who knowingly and willfully violates the provisions of Chapter 5 of Title VI of the Children’s Code, or who knowingly and willfully obstructs the procedures for receiving and investigating reports of child abuse or neglect or sexual abuse, or who discloses without authorization confidential information about or contained within such reports shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than six months, or both.

(3) Any person who reports a child as abused or neglected or sexually abused to the department or to any law enforcement agency, knowing that such information is false, shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than six months, or both.

(4)(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of Paragraph (1) of this Subsection, any person who is eighteen years of age or older who witnesses the sexual abuse of a child and knowingly and willfully fails to report the sexual abuse to law enforcement or to the Department of Children and Family Services as required by Children’s Code Article 610, shall be fined not more than ten thousand dollars, imprisoned with or without hard labor for not more than five years, or both.

(b) For purposes of this Paragraph, “sexual abuse” shall include but is not limited to the perpetration or attempted perpetration of R.S. 14:41, 42, 42.1, 43, 43.1, 43.2, 43.3, 43.4, 46.2, 46.3, 80, 81, 81.1, 81.2, 86, 89, or 89.1.

B. In any proceeding concerning the abuse or neglect or sexual abuse of a child or the cause of such condition, evidence may not be excluded on any ground of privilege, except in the case of communications between an attorney and his client or between a priest, rabbi, duly ordained minister or Christian Science practitioner and his communicant.

Title 15. Criminal Procedure

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Chapter 3-B. Registration of Sex Offenders, Sexually Violent Predators, and Child Predators

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16 de noviembre de 2023

§ 541. Definitions

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For the purposes of this Chapter, the definitions of terms in this Section shall apply:

(1) “Administration of criminal justice” means performance of any of the following activities: detection, apprehension, detention, pretrial release, post-trial release, prosecution, adjudication, correctional supervision, or rehabilitation of accused persons or criminal offenders. The term also includes criminal identification activities, the collection, storage, and dissemination of criminal history record information, and the compensation of victims of crime.

(2) “Aggravated offense” means a conviction for the perpetration or attempted perpetration of, or conspiracy to commit, any of the following:

(a)(i) Aggravated rape (R.S. 14:42), which occurred prior to August 1, 2015, and which shall include convictions for the perpetration or attempted perpetration of, or conspiracy to commit, aggravated oral sexual battery (formerly R.S. 14:43.4, Repealed by Acts 2001, No. 301, § 2) occurring prior to August 15, 2001.

(ii) First degree rape (R.S. 14:42), which occurred on or after August 1, 2015.

(b)(i) Forcible rape (R.S. 14:42.1) which occurred prior to August 1, 2015.

(ii) Second degree rape (R.S. 14:42.1) which occurred on or after August 1, 2015.

(c)(i) Simple rape under the provisions of R.S. 14:43 which occurred prior to August 1, 2015.

(ii) Third degree rape under the provisions of R.S. 14:43 which occurred on or after August 1, 2015.

(d) Sexual battery prosecuted under the provisions of R.S. 14:43.1(C)(2).

(e) Second degree sexual battery (R.S. 14:43.2)

(f) Aggravated kidnapping (R.S. 14:44) of a child who has not attained the age of eighteen years.

(g) Second degree kidnapping (R.S. 14:44.1) of a child who has not attained the age of eighteen years.

(h) Aggravated kidnapping of child (R.S. 14:44.2).

(i) Simple kidnapping (R.S. 14:45) of a child who has not attained the age of eighteen years.

(j) Aggravated crime against nature as defined by R.S. 14:89.1(A)(2) involving sexual intercourse, second degree sexual battery, oral sexual battery, or when prosecuted under the provisions of R.S. 14:89.1(C)(2).

(k) Crime against nature when prosecuted under the provisions of R.S. 14:89(B)(2) or (3).

(l) Molestation of a juvenile or a person with a physical or mental disability prosecuted under the provisions of R.S. 14:81.2(C)(1), (D)(1), or (D)(2).

(m) Aggravated crime against nature (R.S. 14:89.1(A)(1)).

(n) Sexual battery of persons with infirmities (R.S. 14:93.5).

(o) Trafficking of children for sexual purposes (R.S. 14:46.3).

(p) Human trafficking (R.S. 14:46.2) when the trafficking involves a person under the age of twenty-one years or when the services include commercial sexual activity or any sexual conduct constituting a crime under the laws of this state.

(q) Purchase of commercial sexual activity with a person under the age of eighteen years or with a victim of human trafficking (R.S. 14:82.2(C)(4) and (5)).

(r) Any offense under the laws of another state, or military, territorial, foreign, tribal, or federal law which is equivalent to the offenses listed in Subparagraphs (a) through (q) of this Paragraph.

(3) “Bureau” means the Louisiana Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information as established in Chapter 6 of this Title.

(4) “Chat room” means any internet web site through which users have the ability to communicate via text and which allows messages to be visible to all other users or to a designated segment of all other users.

(5) “Child predator” means a person who has been convicted of a criminal offense against a victim who is a minor, as defined in Paragraph (12).

(6) “Child sexual predator” means a person defined as such in accordance with the provisions of R.S. 15:560.1.

(7) “Conviction” means any disposition of charges adverse to the defendant, including a plea of guilty, deferred adjudication, or adjudication withheld for the perpetration or attempted perpetration of or conspiracy to commit a “sex offense” or “criminal offense against a victim who is a minor” as those terms are defined by this Section. “Conviction” shall not include a decision not to prosecute, a dismissal, or an acquittal, except when the acquittal is due to a finding of not guilty by reason of insanity and the person was committed. A dismissal entered after a period of probation, suspension, or deferral of sentence shall be included in the definition of “conviction” for purposes of this Chapter.

(8) “Conviction record” means criminal history record information relating to an incident which has led to a conviction or other disposition adverse to the subject.

(9) “Court determination” means a determination that a person is a sexually violent predator or a determination that a person is no longer a sexually violent predator that shall be made by the sentencing court after receiving a report by the commission.

(10) “Criminal history record information” means information contained in records collected by criminal justice agencies, other than courts, on individuals, consisting of identifiable descriptions and notations of arrests, detention, indictments, information, or other formal criminal charges, and any disposition arising therefrom, including sentences, correctional supervision, and release. The term includes information contained in records maintained by or obtained from criminal justice agencies, other than courts, which records provide individual identification of a person together with any portion of the individual’s record of involvement in the criminal justice system as an alleged or convicted offender, except:

(a) Posters, announcements, or lists for identifying or apprehending fugitives or wanted persons.

(b) Original records of entry maintained by criminal justice agencies to the extent that such records are compiled and maintained chronologically and are accessible only on a chronological basis.

(c) Court indices and records of public judicial proceedings, court decisions, and opinions, and information disclosed during judicial proceedings.

(d) Records of traffic violations which are not punishable by a maximum term of imprisonment of more than ninety days.

(e) Records of any traffic offenses as maintained by the office of motor vehicles for the purpose of regulating the issuance, suspension, revocation, or renewal of drivers’ or other operators’ licenses.

(f) Records of any aviation violation or offenses as maintained by the Department of Transportation and Development for the purpose of regulating pilots or other aviation operators.

(g) Announcements of pardons.

(11) “Criminal justice agency” means:

(a) A court.

(b) A government agency which performs the administration of criminal justice pursuant to a statute or executive order and which allocates a substantial part of its annual budget to the administration of criminal justice.

(12) “Criminal offense against a victim who is a minor” for the purposes of this Chapter means conviction for the perpetration or attempted perpetration of or conspiracy to commit any of the following offenses:

(a) A violation of R.S. 14:44, 44.1, 44.2, 45, 45.1, 46, or 46.1 when the victim is under eighteen years of age and the defendant is not the parent of the victim.

(b)(i) A violation of any of the following provisions when the victim is under eighteen years of age: R.S. 14:84(1), (3), (5), or (6), or 86, or R.S. 23:251(A)(4).

(ii) A violation of R.S. 14:46.2 when the victim is under twenty-one years of age.

(c) A violation of R.S. 14:83, 83.1, 83.2, or 282 when the prostitution involves persons under the age of eighteen years.

(d) A felony violation of R.S. 14:40.2, punishable by imprisonment at hard labor, when the victim is under the age of eighteen, unless either of the following are applicable:

(i) The defendant is the parent of the victim.

(ii) The defendant is not more than four years older than the victim and is convicted under Subparagraph R.S. 14:40.2(B)(1)(b).

(e) Any conviction for an offense under the laws of another state, or military, territorial, foreign, tribal, or federal law which is equivalent to the offenses listed in Subparagraphs (a) through (d) of this Paragraph.

(13) “Disposition” means the formal conclusion of a criminal proceeding at whatever stage it occurs in the criminal justice system.

(14) “Dissemination” means disclosing criminal history record information or disclosing the absence of criminal history record information to any person or agency outside the agency possessing the information, subject to the following exceptions:

(a) When criminal justice agencies jointly participate in the maintenance of a single recordkeeping department as an alternative to maintaining separate records, the furnishing of information by that department to personnel of any participating agency.

(b) The furnishing of information by any criminal justice agency to another for the purpose of processing a matter through the criminal justice system, such as a police department providing information to a prosecutor for use in preparing a charge.

(c) The reporting of an event to a recordkeeping agency for the purpose of maintaining the record.

(15) “Instant message address” means an identifier that allows a person to communicate with another person using the internet.

(16) “Institution of postsecondary education” means any public or private institution of postsecondary education in the state licensed by the Board of Regents under the provisions of R.S. 17:1808 or each proprietary school licensed by the Board of Regents under the provisions of R.S. 17:3141.4.

(17) “Interactive computer service” means any information service, system, or access software provider that offers users the capability for generating, acquiring, storing, transforming, processing, retrieving, utilizing, or making available information, including a service or system that provides or enables computer access by multiple users to a computer server, including specifically a service or system that provides access to the internet and such systems operated or services offered by libraries or educational institutions.

(18) “Mental abnormality” means a congenital or acquired condition of a person that affects the emotional or volitional capacity of the person in a manner that predisposes that person to the commission of criminal sexual acts to a degree that makes the person a menace to the health and safety of others. Nothing in this definition is intended to supersede or apply to the definitions found in R.S. 14:10 or 14 in reference to criminal intent or insanity.

(19) “Nonconviction data” consists of all criminal history record information relating to an incident which has not led to a conviction or other disposition adverse to the subject, and for which proceedings are no longer actively pending. There shall be a rebuttable presumption that proceedings are no longer actively pending if more than one year has elapsed since arrest, citation, or service of warrant and no disposition has been entered.

(20) “Online identifier” means any electronic e-mail address, instant message name, chat name, social networking name, or other similar internet communication name.

(20.1) “Out-of-state offender” means any offender convicted or adjudicated in any court system, other than a court in this state, of any offense having elements equivalent to a “sex offense” or a “criminal offense against a victim who is a minor”, as defined in this Section.

(20.2) “Out-of-state offense” means any offense, as defined by the laws of any jurisdiction other than the state of Louisiana, the elements of which are comparable to a Louisiana “sex offense” or “criminal offense against a victim who is a minor”, as defined in this Section.

(21) “Predatory” means an act directed at a stranger or a person with whom a relationship has been established or promoted for the primary purpose of victimization.

(22) “Residence” means a dwelling where an offender regularly resides, regardless of the number of days or nights spent there. For those offenders who lack a fixed abode or dwelling, “residence” shall include the area or place where the offender habitually lives, including but not limited to a rural area with no address or a shelter.

(23) “School” includes any public or nonpublic school which the person attends, including but not limited to institutions of postsecondary education.

(24)(a) “Sex offense” means deferred adjudication, adjudication withheld, or conviction for the perpetration or attempted perpetration of or conspiracy to commit human trafficking when prosecuted under the provisions of R.S. 14:46.2(B)(2), R.S. 14:46.3 (trafficking of children for sexual purposes), R.S. 14:89 (crime against nature), R.S. 14:89.1 (aggravated crime against nature), R.S. 14:89.2(B)(3) (crime against nature by solicitation), R.S. 14:80(felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile), R.S. 14:81 (indecent behavior with juveniles), R.S. 14:81.1 (pornography involving juveniles), R.S. 14:81.2 (molestation of a juvenile or a person with a physical or mental disability), R.S. 14:81.3 (computer-aided solicitation of a minor), R.S. 14:81.4 (prohibited sexual conduct between an educator and student), R.S. 14:82.1 (prostitution; persons under eighteen), R.S. 14:82.2(C)(4) and (5) (purchase of commercial sexual activity), R.S. 14:92(A)(7) (contributing to the delinquency of juveniles), R.S. 14:93.5 (sexual battery of persons with infirmities), R.S. 14:106(A)(5) (obscenity by solicitation of a person under the age of seventeen), R.S. 14:283 (video voyeurism), R.S. 14:41 (rape), R.S. 14:42 (aggravated or first degree rape), R.S. 14:42.1 (forcible or second degree rape), R.S. 14:43 (simple or third degree rape), R.S. 14:43.1 (sexual battery), R.S. 14:43.2 (second degree sexual battery), R.S. 14:43.3 (oral sexual battery), R.S. 14:43.5 (intentional exposure to HIV), a second or subsequent conviction of R.S. 14:283.1 (voyeurism), or a second or subsequent conviction of R.S. 14:89.3 (sexual abuse of an animal), committed on or after June 18, 1992, or committed prior to June 18, 1992, if the person, as a result of the offense, is under the custody of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections on or after June 18, 1992. A conviction for any offense provided in this definition includes a conviction for the offense under the laws of another state, or military, territorial, foreign, tribal, or federal law which is equivalent to an offense provided for in this Chapter, unless the tribal court or foreign conviction was not obtained with sufficient safeguards for fundamental fairness and due process for the accused as provided by the federal guidelines adopted pursuant to the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006.1

(b) For purposes of this Chapter, “sex offense” shall include deferred adjudication, adjudication withheld, or conviction for the perpetration or attempted perpetration of or conspiracy to commit aggravated oral sexual battery (formerly R.S. 14:43.4, repealed by Acts 2001, No. 301, § 2) occurring prior to August 15, 2001.

(25) “Sexual offense against a victim who is a minor” means a conviction for the perpetration or attempted perpetration of, or conspiracy to commit, any of the following:

(a) Sexual battery (R.S. 14:43.1) when the victim is under the age of eighteen, except when prosecuted under the provisions of R.S. 14:43.1(C)(2).

(b) Oral sexual battery (R.S. 14:43.3).

(c) Aggravated crime against nature as defined by R.S. 14:89.1(A)(2) under the circumstances not listed as those which constitute an “aggravated offense” as defined in this Section.

(d) Pornography involving juveniles (R.S. 14:81.1).

(e) Molestation of a juvenile or a person with a physical or mental disability (R.S. 14:81.2), except when prosecuted under the provisions of R.S. 14:81.2(C)(1), (D)(1), or (2).

(f) Computer-aided solicitation of a minor (R.S. 14:81.3).

(g) Prostitution; persons under eighteen (R.S. 14:82.1).

(h) Enticing minors into prostitution (R.S. 14:86).

(i) Pandering in violation of R.S. 14:84(1), (3), (5), and (6).

(j) Soliciting for prostitutes when the persons being solicited for prostitution are under the age of eighteen years (R.S. 14:83).

(k) Inciting prostitution when the prostitution involves persons under the age of eighteen years (R.S. 14:83.1).

(l) Promoting prostitution when the prostitution being promoted involves persons under the age of eighteen years (R.S. 14:83.2).

(m) Operation of places of prostitution when the prostitution involves persons under the age of eighteen years (R.S. 14:282).

(n) Crime against nature prosecuted under the provisions of R.S. 14:89 other than R.S. 14:89(B)(2) or (3) and the victim of the offense has not attained the age of eighteen.

(o) Any conviction for an offense under the laws of another state, or military, territorial, foreign, tribal, or federal law which is equivalent to the offenses listed in Subparagraphs (a) through (n) of this Paragraph.

(26) “Sexual predator commission”, the commission, means an advisory panel containing not less than two nor more than three physicians who are licensed to practice medicine in Louisiana, who have been in the actual practice of medicine for not less than three consecutive years immediately preceding the appointment, and who are qualified by training or experience in forensic evaluations of sex offenders. The court may appoint, in lieu of one physician, a psychologist who is licensed to practice psychology in Louisiana, who has been engaged in the practice of clinical or counseling psychology for not less than three consecutive years immediately preceding the appointment, and who is qualified by training or experience in forensic evaluations of sex offenders. A list of qualified physicians and psychologists shall be provided to the court by the Louisiana Department of Health.

(27) “Sexually violent predator” means a person who has been convicted of a sex offense as defined in Paragraph (24) of this Section and who has a mental abnormality or anti-social personality disorder that makes the person likely to engage in predatory sexually violent offenses as determined by the sentencing court upon receipt and review of relevant information including the recommendation of the sexual predator commission as defined in Paragraph (26) of this Section.

(28) “Social networking web site” means an internet web site that:

(a) Allows users to create web pages or profiles about themselves that are available publicly or available to other users; or

(b) Offers a mechanism for communication among users, such as a forum, chat room, electronic e-mail, or instant messaging.

(29) “Student at an institution of postsecondary education” means a person who is enrolled in and attends, on a full-time or part-time basis, any course of academic or vocational instruction conducted at an institution of postsecondary education.

(30)(a) “Worker” or “employee” means a person who engages in or who knows or reasonably should know that he will engage in any type of occupation, employment, work, or volunteer service on a full-time or part-time basis, with or without compensation, within this state for more than seven consecutive days, or an aggregate of thirty days or more in a calendar year.

(b) The term includes but is not limited to:

(i) A person who is self-employed.

(ii) An employee or independent contractor.

(iii) A paid or unpaid intern, extern, aide, assistant, or volunteer.

Chapter 10. Electronic Surveillance

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

Part II. Interception of Communications and Related Matters

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

§ 1303. Interception and disclosure of wire, electronic, or oral communications

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. Except as otherwise specifically provided in this Chapter, it shall be unlawful for any person to:

(1) Willfully intercept, endeavor to intercept, or procure any other person to intercept or endeavor to intercept, any wire, electronic or oral communication;

(2) Willfully use, endeavor to use, or procure any other person to use or endeavor to use, any electronic, mechanical, or other device to intercept any oral communication when:

(a) Such device is affixed to, or otherwise transmits a signal through, a wire, cable, or other like connection used in wire or electronic communication; or

(b) Such device transmits communications by radio or interferes with the transmission of such communication;

(3) Willfully disclose, or endeavor to disclose, to any other person the contents of any wire, electronic, or oral communication, knowing or having reason to know that the information was obtained through the interception of a wire, electronic, or oral communication in violation of this Subsection; or

(4) Willfully use, or endeavor to use, the contents of any wire, electronic, or oral communication, knowing or having reason to know that the information was obtained through the interception of a wire, electronic, or oral communication in violation of this Subsection.

B. Any person who violates the provisions of this Section shall be fined not more than ten thousand dollars and imprisoned for not less than two years nor more than ten years at hard labor.

C. (1) It shall not be unlawful under this Chapter for an operator of a switchboard, or any officer, employee, or agent of any communications common carrier, whose facilities are used in the transmission of a wire communication, to intercept, disclose, or use that communication in the normal course of his employment while engaged in any activity which is a necessary incident to the rendition of his service or to the protection of the rights or property of the carrier of such communication; however, such communications common carriers shall not utilize service observing or random monitoring, except for mechanical or service quality control checks.

(2) It shall not be unlawful under this Chapter for an officer, employee, or agent of the Federal Communications Commission, in the normal course of his employment and in discharge of the monitoring responsibilities exercised by the commission in the enforcement of Chapter 5 of Title 47 of the United States Code, to intercept a wire or electronic communication, or oral communication transmitted by radio, or to disclose or use the information thereby obtained.

(3) It shall not be unlawful under this Chapter for a person acting under color of law to intercept a wire, electronic, or oral communication, where such person is a party to the communication or one of the parties to the communication has given prior consent to such interception. Such a person acting under color of law is authorized to possess equipment used under such circumstances.

(4) It shall not be unlawful under this Chapter for a person not acting under color of law to intercept a wire, electronic, or oral communication where such person is a party to the communication or where one of the parties to the communication has given prior consent to such interception, unless such communication is intercepted for the purpose of committing any criminal or tortious act in violation of the constitution or laws of the United States or of the state or for the purpose of committing any other injurious act.

(5) It shall not be unlawful under this Chapter:

(a) For the ultimate receiver of wire or electronic communication, or an investigative or law enforcement officer to use a pen register or trap and trace device as provided in Part III of this Chapter.

(b) For a provider of electronic communication services to record the fact that a wire or electronic communication was initiated or completed in order to protect such provider, or another provider furnishing service toward the completion of the wire or electronic communication, or a user of that service, from fraudulent, unlawful, or abusive use of such service.

(c) To use a device which captures the incoming electronic or other impulses which identify the numbers of an instrument from which a wire communication was transmitted.

(6) A person or entity providing electronic communication services to the public shall not intentionally divulge the contents of any communication while in transmission of that service to any person or entity other than an addressee or intended recipient of such communication or an agent of such addressee or intended recipient except:

(a) As otherwise authorized by federal or state law.

(b) To a person employed or authorized, or whose facilities are used, to forward such communication to its destination.

(c) Any electronic communication inadvertently obtained by the service provider and which appears to pertain to the commission of a crime, if such divulgence is made to a law enforcement agency.

(7) It shall not be unlawful under this Chapter for an officer or investigator of a law enforcement agency to intercept, conduct, use, or disclose electronic, wire, or oral communications obtained during a hostage situation or situation involving a barricaded individual. For the purposes of this Section, “hostage situation” means any situation which involves the unlawful abduction or restraint of one or more individuals with intent to restrict their freedom. For the purposes of this Section, “barricaded individual” means any situation that involves the use of a residence, or other structure, belonging to another to seek refuge from law enforcement after attempting or committing a crime or threatening suicide.

D. (1) Any investigative or law enforcement officer who, by any means authorized by this Chapter, has obtained knowledge of the contents of any wire, oral, or electronic communication, or evidence derived therefrom, may disclose the contents to another investigative or law enforcement officer to the extent that the disclosure is appropriate to the proper performance of the official duties of the officer making or receiving the disclosure.

(2) Any investigative or law enforcement officer who, by any means authorized by this Chapter, has obtained knowledge of the contents of any wire, oral, or electronic communication or evidence derived therefrom may use the contents to the extent the use is appropriate to the proper performance of his official duties.

(3) Any person who has received, by any means authorized by this Chapter, any information concerning a wire, oral, or electronic communication, or evidence derived therefrom intercepted in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter may disclose the contents of that communication or such derivative evidence while giving testimony under oath or affirmation in any proceeding held under the authority of the United States or of any state or political subdivision thereof.

(4) No otherwise privileged wire, oral, or electronic communication intercepted in accordance with, or in violation of, the provisions of this Chapter shall lose its privileged character.

E. Upon receipt of the information or evidence sought by the interception, the interception shall cease.

Title 22. Insurance Code

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

Chapter 4. Insurance and Insurance Contract Requirements by Type of Insurance

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

Part III. Health and Accident Coverage

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

Subpart C. Assuring Portability, Availability, Renewability of Health Insurance Coverage

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

§ 1078. Protections required for victims of the crime of domestic violence

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. As used in this Section, the following terms shall be defined as follows:

(1) “Abuse” means bodily injury as a result of battery or any offense against the person as defined in the Louisiana Criminal Code, except negligent injury and defamation, when such battery or offense is committed by one family or household member against another. “Abuse” shall also mean abuse of adults as defined in R.S. 15:1503 when committed by an adult child or adult grandchild.

(2) “Abuse status” means the fact or perception that a person is, has been, or may be a subject of abuse, irrespective of whether the person has sustained abuse-related medical conditions.

(3) “Confidential abuse information” means information about acts of abuse or the abuse status of a subject of abuse, the fact that a person’s medical condition is abuse-related if the issuer knows or has reason to know it is abuse-related, the home and work address and telephone number of a subject of abuse, or the status of an applicant or insured as a family member, employer, or associate of a subject of abuse, or as a person in a relationship with a subject of abuse.

(4) “Insurance professional” means an agent, broker, adjuster, or third party administrator as defined in this Title.

(5) “Subject of abuse” means a person against whom an act of abuse has been directed; who has current or prior injuries, illnesses, or disorders that result from abuse; or who seeks, may have sought, or had reason to seek medical or psychological treatment for abuse or protection, court-ordered protection, or shelter from abuse.

B. No health insurance issuer or nonfederal governmental plan shall engage in any of the following acts or practices on the basis of the abuse status of an applicant or insured:

(1) Restricting, excluding, or limiting health benefit plan coverage solely as a result of abuse status.

(2) Adding a rate differential solely because of abuse status.

(3) Denying or limiting payment of a claim incurred by an insured, enrollee, member, subscriber, or dependent solely because the claim was incurred as a result of abuse status.

C. A spouse who is the subject of domestic abuse and who, together with any other dependents, is covered as a dependent on an individual policy or subscriber agreement naming an abusive spouse as the policyholder shall have the right to convert such individual dependent coverage to an individual policy without medical underwriting upon the judgment of divorce or judgment of legal separation from the abusive spouse. The converted policy shall be on the same policy form and shall provide the same benefits, including deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments, as the policy from which coverage is being converted. The spouse converting coverage shall thereafter have the same right to change benefits upon the anniversary date of the policy as in the policy from which coverage is being converted. The right to convert coverage shall become effective upon receipt of notice of termination of coverage under an abusive spouse’s policy or subscriber agreement, only if the abused spouse gives written notice within thirty days and provides the health insurance issuer with a copy of the divorce decree or separation order.

D. No health insurance issuer, nonfederal governmental plan, or person employed by or contracting with such entities shall disclose or transfer information related to the abuse status of an applicant or insured for any purpose or to any person except:

(1) To the subject of abuse or an individual specifically designated in writing by the subject of abuse.

(2) To a health care provider for the direct provision of health care services.

(3) To a licensed physician identified and designated by the subject of abuse.

(4) When ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction or otherwise required by law.

(5) When necessary for a valid business purpose to transfer information that includes confidential abuse information that cannot reasonably be segregated without undue hardship. Confidential abuse information may be disclosed only if the recipient has executed a written agreement to be bound by the prohibitions of this Section in all respects and to be subject to the enforcement of this Section by the courts of this state for the benefit of the applicant or the insured and only to the following persons:

(a) A reinsurer that seeks to indemnify or indemnifies all or any part of a policy covering a subject of abuse and that cannot underwrite or satisfy its obligations under the reinsurance agreement without that disclosure.

(b) A party to a proposed or consummated sale, transfer, merger, or consolidation of all or part of the business of the health insurance issuer or insurance professional.

(c) Medical or claims personnel contracting with the health insurance issuer or insurance professional, but only when necessary to process an application, to perform the health insurance issuer’s or the insurance professional’s duties under the policy, or to protect the safety or privacy of a subject of abuse. For purposes of this Paragraph, a health insurance issuer or insurance professional shall include a parent or affiliate company of the health insurance issuer or an insurance professional who has a service agreement with the health insurance issuer or insurance professional.

(d) With respect to the address and telephone number of a subject of abuse, to entities with whom the health insurance issuer or insurance professional transacts business when the business cannot be transacted without the address and telephone number.

(6) To an attorney who needs the information to represent the health insurance issuer or insurance professional effectively only if the health insurance issuer or insurance professional notifies the attorney of its obligations under this Section and requests that the attorney exercise due diligence to protect the confidential abuse information consistent with the attorney’s obligation to represent the health insurance issuer or insurance professional.

(7) To the policyowner or assignee, in the course of delivery of the policy, if the policy contains information about abuse status.

(8) To any other entities authorized by regulations adopted by the commissioner of insurance pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act.

E. Nothing in this Section shall prohibit a health insurance issuer or a nonfederal governmental plan from asking about a medical condition or from using medical information to underwrite or to carry out its duties under the policy, even if the medical information is related to a medical condition that the insurer or insurance professional knows or has reason to know is abuse-related, to the extent otherwise permitted under this Section and other applicable laws.

Title 40. Public Health and Safety

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

Chapter 6. Department of Public Safety

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

Part III. State Police

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

Subpart A. State Police Law

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

§ 1379.3. Statewide permits for concealed handguns; application procedures; definitions

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. (1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the deputy secretary of public safety services of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections shall issue a concealed handgun permit to any Louisiana resident who qualifies for a permit under the provisions of this Section and may promulgate rules and adopt regulations regarding concealed handgun permits in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act. The permit shall contain a permit number, expiration date, photograph, and the name, address, and date of birth of the permittee.

(2) Any information in any application for a concealed handgun permit or any information provided in connection with the application submitted to the deputy secretary of public safety services of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections under the provisions of this Section shall be held confidential and shall not be subject to any public records request nor shall the information be considered as a public record pursuant to R.S. 44:1 et seq. The Department of Public Safety and Corrections shall not release any list of persons who applied for or received a permit for a concealed handgun pursuant to this Section. However, nothing contained herein shall limit or impede the free flow of information between law enforcement agencies, prohibit the department from releasing information necessary to perform the background investigation, or provide statistical information which does not identify individual applicants or permittees.

(3)(a) Absent a valid court order requiring the release of information, or unless an applicant or a recipient of a concealed handgun permit is charged with a felony offense involving the use of a handgun, it shall be unlawful for any employee of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections or any law enforcement officer to intentionally release or disseminate for publication any information contained in an application for a concealed handgun permit or any information regarding the identity of any person who applied for or received a concealed handgun permit issued pursuant to this Section. A person who violates the provisions of this Subparagraph shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars, imprisoned for not more than six months, or both.

(b)(i) It shall be unlawful for any person other than an employee of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections or a law enforcement officer to intentionally release, disseminate, or make public in any manner any information contained in an application for a concealed handgun permit or any information regarding the identity of any person who applied for or received a concealed handgun permit issued pursuant to this Section. Any person who violates the provisions of this Subparagraph shall be fined ten thousand dollars and may be imprisoned for not more than six months.

(ii) The provisions of this Subparagraph shall not apply to the release of information under any of the following circumstances:

(aa) A valid court order requires the release of the information.

(bb) The information released identifies a concealed handgun permit holder or applicant who is charged with a felony offense involving the use of a handgun.

(cc) The information regarding a concealed handgun permit applicant or holder is released pursuant to the express approval for the release of such information by that permit applicant or holder.

(dd) The information regarding a concealed handgun permit holder or applicant has been made public by that concealed handgun permit holder or applicant.

B. (1) A concealed handgun permit shall be issued only to a Louisiana resident who qualifies for a permit under the provisions of this Section. A concealed handgun permit issued pursuant to the provisions of this Section shall grant authority to a Louisiana resident to carry a concealed handgun on his person.

(2)(a) A Louisiana resident who meets the qualifications of R.S. 14:95(M) shall not be required to possess a valid concealed handgun permit issued by the state of Louisiana pursuant to the provisions of this Section in order to carry a concealed handgun in the state of Louisiana. The provisions of this Paragraph shall not affect the requirements of reciprocity as provided in Subsection T of this Section.

(b) Any person carrying a concealed firearm pursuant to this Paragraph shall be deemed to have certified that he meets all of the conditions required in R.S. 14:95(M).

C. To qualify for a concealed handgun permit, a Louisiana resident shall:

(1)(a) Make sworn application to the deputy secretary of public safety services of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections. The providing of false or misleading information on the application or any documents submitted with the application shall be grounds for the denial or revocation of a concealed handgun permit. The application shall reflect training in pistols, revolvers, or both. Any permittee under this Section shall notify the department of any address or name change within thirty days of the change. Failure to timely notify the department of a name or address change may result in suspension of the permit for up to thirty days.

(b) In the case of an applicant who is not a United States citizen, the applicant shall provide any alien or admission number issued by the United States Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and any basis, if applicable, for an exception to the prohibitions of 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(5)(B).

(2) Agree in writing to hold harmless and indemnify the department, the state, or any peace officer for any and all liability arising out of the issuance or use of the concealed handgun permit.

(3) Be a resident of the state.

(4) Be twenty-one years of age or older.

(5) Not suffer from a mental or physical infirmity due to disease, illness, or intellectual disability which prevents the safe handling of a handgun.

(6) Not be ineligible to possess a firearm by virtue of having been convicted of a felony. A conviction for a felony offense which has been expunged prior to August 1, 2014, pursuant to the provisions of R.S. 44:9 or on or after August 1, 2014, pursuant to Title XXXIV of the Code of Criminal Procedure shall not be considered a conviction for the purposes of this Paragraph if ten years have elapsed since the completion of the resident’s probation, parole, or suspended sentence. However, the provisions of this Paragraph shall not apply to a conviction for a crime of violence as defined in R.S. 14:2(B) even if that conviction has been expunged. A conviction for which a person has been pardoned by the governor shall not be considered a conviction for purposes of this Paragraph, unless that pardon expressly provides that the person may not ship, transport, possess, or receive firearms.

(7) Not have been committed, either voluntarily or involuntarily, for the abuse of a controlled dangerous substance, as defined by R.S. 40:961 and 964, or been found guilty of, or entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to a misdemeanor under the laws of this state or similar laws of any other state relating to a controlled dangerous substance within a five-year period immediately preceding the date on which the application is submitted, or be presently charged under indictment or a bill of information for such an offense.

(8) Not chronically and habitually use alcoholic beverages to the extent that his normal faculties are impaired. It shall be presumed that an applicant or permittee chronically and habitually uses alcoholic beverages to the extent that his normal faculties are impaired if the applicant has been admitted, either voluntarily or involuntarily, for treatment as an alcoholic within the five-year period immediately preceding the date on which the application is submitted, or at any time after the application has been submitted.

(9) Not have entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to or been found guilty of a crime of violence as defined in R.S. 14:2 at the misdemeanor level, unless five years have elapsed since completion of sentence or any other conditions set by the court have been fulfilled, or unless the conviction was set aside and the prosecution dismissed, prior to the date on which the application is submitted.

(10) Not have been convicted of, have entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, or not be charged under indictment or a bill of information for any crime of violence or any crime punishable by imprisonment for a term of one year or greater. However, a person who has been convicted of a violation of 18 U.S.C. 491(a) shall be permitted to qualify for a concealed handgun permit if fifteen or more years has elapsed between the date of application and the successful completion or service of any sentence, deferred adjudication, or period of probation or parole. A conviction for a felony offense which has been expunged prior to August 1, 2014, pursuant to the provisions of R.S. 44:9 or on or after August 1, 2014, pursuant to Title XXXIV of the Code of Criminal Procedure shall not be considered a conviction for the purposes of this Paragraph if ten years have elapsed since the completion of the resident’s probation, parole, or suspended sentence. However, the provisions of this Paragraph shall not apply to a conviction for a crime of violence as defined in R.S. 14:2(B) even if that conviction has been expunged. A conviction for which a person has been pardoned by the governor shall not be considered a conviction for purposes of this Paragraph, unless that pardon expressly provides that the person may not ship, transport, possess, or receive firearms.

(11) Not be a fugitive from justice.

(12) Not be an unlawful user of, or addicted to, marijuana, depressants, stimulants, or narcotic drugs.

(13) Not have been adjudicated to be mentally deficient or been committed to a mental institution, unless the resident’s right to possess a firearm has been restored pursuant to R.S. 28:57.

(14) Not be an illegal alien in the United States.

(15) Not have been discharged from the Armed Forces of the United States with a discharge characterized as “Under Other than Honorable Conditions”, a “Bad Conduct Discharge”, or a “Dishonorable Discharge”. In the case of Commissioned Officers and Warrant Officers of the United States Armed Forces, the punishment of “Dismissal” rendered subject to a verdict of “guilty” at a trial by military court-martial is deemed to be disqualifying under this Paragraph. For the purposes of this Paragraph, the United States Coast Guard is considered an armed force.

(16) Not have a history of engaging in violent behavior. There shall be a rebuttable presumption that an applicant has a history of engaging in violent behavior upon proof that, within a ten-year period immediately preceding the date of the application, the applicant has been arrested or charged on three or more occasions for any crime of violence as defined in R.S. 14:2(B), or has been arrested or charged on two or more occasions for any crime of violence that may be punished by death.

(17) Not be ineligible to possess or receive a firearm under 18 U.S.C. 922(g) or (n).

(18) Not have had a permit denied within one year prior to the most recent application.

(19) Not have had a permit revoked within four years prior to the most recent application.

D. (1) In addition to the requirements of Subsection C of this Section, an applicant shall demonstrate competence with a handgun by any one of the following:

(a) Completion of any National Rifle Association handguns safety or training course conducted by a National Rifle Association certified instructor within the preceding twelve months.

(b) Completion of any Department of Public Safety and Corrections approved firearms safety or training course or class available to the general public offered by a law enforcement agency, college, or private or public institution or organization or firearms training school within the preceding twelve months.

(c) Completion of any law enforcement firearms safety or training course or class approved by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections and offered for correctional officers, investigators, special deputies, or any division or subdivision of law enforcement or security enforcement within the preceding twelve months.

(d) Possession of a current valid license to carry a concealed weapon issued by a parish law enforcement officer.

(e) Completion of any firearms training or safety course or class approved by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections within the preceding twelve months.

(f) Completion of a law enforcement training academy program certified by the Council on Peace Officer Standards and Training. However, any person retired from full-time service as a Louisiana peace officer need only demonstrate that he was properly certified by the Council on Peace Officer Standards and Training at the time of retirement.

(g) Completion of small arms training within the preceding sixty months while serving with the armed forces of the United States as evidenced by any of the following:

(i) For personnel released or retired from active duty, possession of an “Honorable Discharge” or “General Discharge Under Honorable Conditions” as evidenced by a Department of Defense Form 214 (DD-214).

(ii) For personnel on active duty or serving in one of the National Guard or reserve components of the Armed Forces, possession of certification of completion of basic training with service record evidence of having successfully completed small arms training and qualification.

(h) The National Rifle Association’s personal protection course.

(i) For personnel released or retired from active duty or the National Guard or reserve components of the Armed Forces for more than sixty months, possession of proof indicating combat service and an “Honorable Discharge” or “General Discharge Under Honorable Conditions” as evidenced by a Department of Defense Form 214 (DD-214) and completion of the following:

(i) A three-hour course of instruction on the use of deadly force and conflict resolution which shall include a review of R.S. 14:18 through 22 and which may include a review of any other laws relating to the use of deadly force within the preceding sixty months.

(ii) A one-hour course of instruction on child access prevention within the preceding sixty months.

(j) Completion of any United States Concealed Carry Association handgun safety or training course conducted by a United States Concealed Carry Association certified instructor within the preceding twelve months.

(2)(a) Instructors for any class, training, or course of instruction authorized by this Subsection, except for small arms training in military service as provided in Subparagraph (1)(g) of this Subsection, shall be certified by any of the following:

(i) The Council on Peace Officer Standards and Training as a firearms instructor.

(ii) The National Rifle Association as an instructor for Basic Pistol Shooting, Personal Protection in the Home, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, or Personal Protection Outside the Home.

(iii) The National Rifle Association Law Enforcement Division as an instructor for courses involving the teaching of handguns.

(iv) The United States Concealed Carry Association as an instructor for Home Defense and Concealed Carry Fundamentals or Defensive Shooting Fundamentals.

(v) The Federal Law Enforcement Training Center’s Firearms Instructor Training Program or other federal agency firearms instructor course consisting of at least forty hours of instruction.

(vi) Other instructor certification programs approved by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections.

(b) Any safety or training course or class as described in this Subsection, except for basic handgun training in military service provided in Subparagraph (1)(g) of this Subsection, shall include instruction in child access prevention, a demonstration by the applicant of shooting proficiency, and safe handling of a handgun.

(3) Any live range fire training required to demonstrate competency as authorized by the provisions of this Subsection may use live ammunition or fixed-case marking projectiles capable of being fired from a handgun.

E. (1) A photocopy of a certificate of completion of any of the courses or classes, or an affidavit from the instructor, school, club, organization, or group that conducted or taught said course or class attesting to the completion of the course or class by the applicant, or a copy of any document which shows completion of the course or class or confirms participation in firearms competition or honorable discharge shall constitute evidence of qualification pursuant to Subsection D of this Section.

(2) It shall be illegal to intentionally present false, fraudulent, altered, or counterfeit documents to prove training in handguns in order to obtain a concealed handgun permit. Whoever intentionally presents false, fraudulent, altered, or counterfeit documents to prove training in handguns in order to obtain a concealed handgun permit shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned for not more than six months, or both. In addition, no person convicted of a violation of this Subsection shall be eligible to obtain a permit.

F. (1) The deputy secretary shall revoke the permit if at any time during the permit period the permittee fails to satisfy any one of the qualification requirements provided for in Subsection C of this Section.

(2) The deputy secretary shall revoke the permit for a violation of Subsection I of this Section or R.S. 40:1382.

G. Neither the state, the deputy secretary of public safety services, nor any applicable permitting process employee of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections shall be liable for acts committed by the permittee, unless the deputy secretary or applicable permitting process employee had actual knowledge at the time the permit was issued that the permittee was disqualified by law from carrying a concealed handgun.

H. (1) The deputy secretary of public safety services of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections shall, within two working days of the initial application, notify the chief of police of the municipality and the chief law enforcement officer of the parish in which the applicant is domiciled of such application. Those officers shall have ten days to forward to the deputy secretary any information relating to the applicant’s legal qualification to receive a permit.

(2) The deputy secretary of public safety services of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections shall issue timely and without delay the concealed handgun permit to all qualified applicants, which permit shall be for a term of five years, at a cost of twenty-five dollars per year, and which shall be valid in all parishes statewide. The division may promulgate rules for the purpose of providing for permits and fees for fewer than five years to the applicants requesting a shorter time period. Fees may be reduced proportionately for terms of fewer than five years. The permit shall be retained by the permittee who shall immediately produce it upon the request of any law enforcement officer.

(3) Anyone who violates the provisions of this Subsection shall be fined not more than one hundred dollars.

I. (1) No individual to whom a concealed handgun permit is issued or a person carrying a weapon pursuant to R.S. 14:95(M) may carry and conceal such handgun while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled dangerous substance. While a permittee is under the influence of alcohol or a controlled dangerous substance, an otherwise lawful permit is considered automatically suspended and is not valid. A permittee shall be considered under the influence as evidenced by a blood alcohol reading of .05 percent or greater by weight of alcohol in the blood, or when a blood test or urine test shows any confirmed presence of a controlled dangerous substance as defined in R.S. 40:961 and 964.

(2) A permittee armed with a handgun in accordance with this Section or a person carrying a weapon pursuant to R.S. 14:95(M) shall notify any police officer who approaches the permittee in an official manner or with an identified official purpose that he has a weapon on his person, submit to a pat down, and allow the officer to temporarily disarm him. Whenever a law enforcement officer is made aware that an individual is carrying a concealed handgun and the law enforcement officer has reasonable grounds to believe that the individual is under the influence of either alcohol or a controlled dangerous substance, the law enforcement officer may take temporary possession of the handgun and request submission of the individual to a department-certified chemical test for determination of the chemical status of the individual. Whenever a law enforcement officer is made aware that an individual is behaving in a criminally negligent manner as defined under the provisions of this Section, or is negligent in the carrying of a concealed handgun as provided for in R.S. 40:1382, the law enforcement officer may seize the handgun, until adjudication by a judge, if the individual is issued a summons or arrested under the provisions of R.S. 40:1382. Failure by the permittee to comply with the provisions of this Paragraph shall result in a six-month automatic suspension of the permit.

(3) The permit to carry a concealed weapon shall be revoked by the deputy secretary when the permittee is carrying and concealing a handgun under any of the following circumstances:

(a) The blood alcohol reading of a permittee is .05 percent or greater by weight of alcohol in the blood.

(b) A permittee’s blood test or urine test shows the confirmed presence of a controlled dangerous substance as defined in R.S. 40:961 and 964.

(c) A permittee refuses to submit to a department-certified chemical test when requested to do so by a law enforcement officer pursuant to Paragraph (2) of this Subsection.

(d) An individual is found guilty of negligent carrying of a concealed handgun as provided for in R.S. 40:1382.

(4) The person tested may have a physician or a qualified technician, chemist, registered nurse, or other qualified person of his own choosing administer a chemical test or tests in addition to any administered at the direction of a law enforcement officer, and he shall be given the opportunity to telephone and request the qualified person to administer such test.

(5) Whenever a peace officer determines that grounds under this Subsection exist for the revocation of a concealed handgun permit, he shall prepare an affidavit, on a form provided by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, indicating the reasons for the revocation and all other information regarding the revocation available to the officer. A copy of the peace officer’s report relating to the incident shall be attached to the affidavit when submitted to the department.

(6) No permit shall be suspended or revoked solely upon the basis of an arrest for a violation of R.S. 14:98.1.

J. For the purposes of this Section, the following terms shall have the meanings ascribed herein:

(1) “Crime of violence” means a crime as defined in R.S. 14:2(B).

(2) “Criminal negligence” means there exists such disregard of the interest of others that the license holder’s conduct amounts to a gross deviation below the standard of care expected to be maintained by a reasonably careful man under like circumstances.

(3) “Handgun” means a type of firearm commonly referred to as a pistol or revolver originally designed to be fired by the use of a single hand and which is designed to fire or is capable of firing fixed cartridge ammunition. The term “handgun” shall not include shotguns or rifles that have been altered by having their stocks or barrels cut or shortened.

(4) “Resident” means a person who is legally domiciled in Louisiana. An individual shall prove legal domicile by providing a copy of a valid Louisiana driver’s license or an official Louisiana identification card. Notwithstanding anything in this Section to the contrary, a person who maintains a dwelling in this state but is residing elsewhere as a member of the United States military or as a student is still considered to be a resident for the purposes of this Section.

K. The department shall execute a thorough background investigation, including a criminal history check, of every applicant for the purpose of verifying the qualifications of the applicant pursuant to the requirements of this Section. For purposes of this Subsection, a background check shall be defined as a computer check of available on-line state records, and, if warranted, the fingerprints may be forwarded to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for a national criminal history record check. In addition, the department shall submit an inquiry on every applicant to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

L. Anyone who carries and conceals a handgun in violation of any provision of this Section, unless authorized to do so by another provision of the law, shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars, or imprisoned for not more than six months, or both.

M. No concealed handgun permit shall be valid or entitle any permittee to carry a concealed weapon in any facility, building, location, zone, or area in which firearms are banned by state or federal law.

N. No concealed handgun may be carried into and no concealed handgun permit issued pursuant to this Section shall authorize or entitle a permittee to carry a concealed handgun in any of the following:

(1) A law enforcement office, station, or building.

(2) A detention facility, prison, or jail.

(3) A courthouse or courtroom, provided that a judge may carry such a weapon in his own courtroom.

(4) A polling place.

(5) A municipal building or other public building or structure, only if the building or structure is utilized as the meeting place of the governing authority of a political subdivision.

(6) The state capitol building.

(7) Any portion of an airport facility where the carrying of firearms is prohibited under federal law, except that no person shall be prohibited from carrying any legal firearm into the terminal, if the firearm is encased for shipment, for the purpose of checking such firearm as lawful baggage.

(8) Any church, synagogue, mosque, or other similar place of worship, eligible for qualification as a tax-exempt organization under 26 U.S.C. 501, unless authorized by the person who has authority over the administration of the church, synagogue, mosque, or other similar place of worship.

(9) A parade or demonstration for which a permit is issued by a governmental entity.

(10) Any portion of the permitted area of an establishment that has been granted a Class A-General retail permit, as defined in Part II of Chapter 1 or Part II of Chapter 2 of Title 26 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises.

(11) Any school, school campus, or school bus as defined in R.S. 14:95.6.

O. The provisions of Subsection N of this Section shall not limit the right of a property owner, lessee, or other lawful custodian to prohibit or restrict access of those persons possessing a concealed handgun pursuant to a permit issued under this Section. No individual to whom a concealed handgun permit is issued may carry such concealed handgun into the private residence of another without first receiving the consent of that person.

P. Within three months of April 19, 1996, the Department of Public Safety and Corrections shall promulgate rules and regulations in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act to provide an appeal process in the event that an applicant is denied issuance of a permit. The department may also promulgate educational requirements for renewal of concealed handgun permits.

Q. The provisions of this Section shall not apply to commissioned law enforcement officers.

R. (1) Each permittee, within fifteen days of a misdemeanor or a felony arrest, other than a minor traffic violation, in this state or any other state, shall notify the deputy secretary of public safety services by certified mail. The deputy secretary may suspend, for up to ninety days, the permit of any permittee who fails to meet the notification requirements of this Section.

(2) The Department of Public Safety and Corrections shall submit a report by March thirty-first of each year to the Senate Committee on Judiciary C and the House Committee on the Administration of Criminal Justice relative to concealed handgun permits. The report shall include information on the number of licenses issued, denied, revoked, or suspended and the reasons for such denial, revocation, or suspension to be categorized by age, sex, race, and zip code of the applicant or licensee. The report shall include data concerning any known accidents or deaths involving permittees.

S. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the department may develop, print, and distribute an informational newsletter relative to concealed handgun permittees, safety training, and related matters.

T. (1) Possession of a current and valid concealed handgun permit issued pursuant to this Section shall constitute sufficient evidence of the background check required pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 922(t) provided that the appropriate waiver has been granted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. A person whose permit has been suspended or revoked by the department and who uses that permit to purchase a firearm from a licensed dealer knowing that the permit has been suspended or revoked shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than six months, or both.

(2) A current and valid concealed handgun permit issued by another state to an individual having attained the age of twenty-one years shall be deemed to be valid for the out-of-state permit holder to carry a concealed weapon within this state if a current and valid concealed handgun permit issued by Louisiana is valid in those states.

(3) An out-of-state permit holder carrying a concealed handgun pursuant to this Paragraph is bound by the laws of this state regarding carrying a concealed handgun pursuant to a permit issued in accordance with this Section.

(4) A concealed handgun permit issued by another state is invalid in the state of Louisiana for the purpose of authorizing a Louisiana resident to carry a concealed handgun in the state of Louisiana.

(5) The deputy secretary for public safety services shall also have the authority to enter into reciprocity agreements with other states so that full-time active peace officers commissioned in another state shall have the same authority as a person issued a concealed handgun permit pursuant to this Section to carry a concealed handgun while in this state, regardless of whether or not they are in the official discharge of their duties, and full-time active law enforcement officers commissioned in this state shall have the authority to carry a concealed handgun in those states whether or not they are in the official discharge of their duties. An out-of-state law enforcement officer carrying a concealed handgun pursuant to this Paragraph is bound by the laws of this state regarding carrying a concealed handgun pursuant to a permit issued in accordance with this Section.

U. Repealed by Acts 2020, No. 186, § 2.

V. (1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, a Louisiana resident who meets the provisions of this Section may be issued a lifetime concealed handgun permit. The term for the lifetime concealed handgun permit shall be for the life of the permit holder.

(2) A person issued a lifetime concealed handgun permit shall be required to meet the qualifications and competency requirements for the issuance of a concealed handgun permit pursuant to the provisions of Subsections C and D of this Section.

(3) A person issued a lifetime concealed handgun permit shall have a continuing obligation to comply with the provisions of this Section and any other rules or provisions of law regarding the carrying of concealed handguns.

(4)(a) A lifetime concealed handgun permit holder shall provide the division with proof of completion of educational training every five years. The educational training shall include all of the following:

(i) Instruction on handgun nomenclature and safe handling procedures for a revolver and a semiautomatic pistol.

(ii) Instruction on ammunition knowledge and fundamentals of pistol shooting.

(iii) Instruction on handgun shooting positions.

(iv) Instruction on the use of deadly force and conflict resolution which shall include a review of R.S. 14:18 through 22 and which may include a review of any other laws relating to use of deadly force.

(v) Instruction on child access prevention.

(vi) Actual live range fire and proper handgun cleaning procedures:

(aa) Live range fire shall include twelve rounds each at six feet, ten feet, and fifteen feet for a total of thirty-six rounds.

(bb) Each applicant or permittee must perform at least one safe reload of the handgun at each distance.

(cc) Each applicant or permittee must score one hundred percent hits within the silhouette portion of a N.R.A. B-27 type silhouette target with at least thirty-six rounds.

(b) Failure to submit proof of completion of the educational training pursuant to the provisions of this Paragraph shall result in the suspension of the lifetime concealed handgun permit until such time as the lifetime concealed handgun permit holder submits proof of the educational training required in the provisions of this Paragraph.

(5) The deputy secretary of the department shall revoke the lifetime concealed handgun permit if the permittee fails to satisfy the qualifications and requirements of Subsection C of this Section or violates the provisions of Subsection I of this Section.

(6) A lifetime concealed handgun permit shall be suspended if the holder of that permit becomes a resident of another state. The lifetime concealed handgun permit shall be reactivated upon reestablishment of residency in Louisiana if the applicant otherwise meets the requirements of this Section and upon successful completion of a criminal history records check.

(7) An applicant for a lifetime concealed handgun permit shall pay the yearly fee provided for in Paragraph (H)(2) of this Section but shall prepay that fee for a total of twenty years at the time the application is made. If the applicant is sixty-five years of age or older, he shall pay the yearly fee provided for in Paragraph (H)(2) of this Section but shall prepay that fee for a total of ten years at the time the application is made.

W. (1) Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, an active duty member or reserve member of the armed forces of the United States shall pay one half of the annual fee provided for in Paragraph (H)(2) of this Section for a five-year permit, or if applying for a lifetime concealed handgun permit, he shall prepay that fee for a total of ten years at the time the application for the lifetime concealed handgun permit is made.

(2) A veteran of the armed forces of the United States shall be exempt from all fees associated with the five-year permit or lifetime concealed carry permit.

(3) For the purposes of this Subsection, “veteran” shall mean any honorably discharged veteran of the armed forces of the United States including reserve components of the armed forces, the Army National Guard, the Air National Guard, the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, and any other category of persons designated by the president in time of war or emergency.

Title 46. Public Welfare and Assistance

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Chapter 28. Protection From Family Violence Act

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Part I. Family Violence Shelters

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§ 2121.1. Definitions

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As used in this Part:

(1) “Family or household members” means spouses, parents, children, stepparents, stepchildren, foster parents, and foster children. “Family or household members” also means grandparents or their grandchildren.

(2) “Family violence” means any assault, battery, or other physical abuse which occurs between family or household members, who reside together or who formerly resided together.

(3) “Victim of family violence” means the family or household member abused and his or her children who might be in danger if left in the domicile.

Part II. Domestic Abuse Assistance

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§ 2131. Purposes

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The purpose of this Part is to recognize and address the complex legal and social problems created by domestic violence. The legislature finds that existing laws which regulate the dissolution of marriage do not adequately address problems of protecting and assisting the victims of domestic abuse. The legislature further finds that previous societal attitudes have been reflected in the policies and practices of law enforcement agencies and prosecutors which have resulted in different treatment of crimes occurring between family members, household members, or dating partners and those occurring between strangers. It is the intent of the legislature to provide a civil remedy for domestic violence which will afford the victim immediate and easily accessible protection. Furthermore, it is the intent of the legislature that the official response of law enforcement agencies to cases of domestic violence shall stress the enforcement of laws to protect the victim and shall communicate the attitude that violent behavior is not excused or tolerated.

§ 2132. Definitions

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

As used in this Part:

(1) “Adult” means any person eighteen years of age or older, or any person under the age of eighteen who has been emancipated by marriage or otherwise.

(2) “Court” shall mean any court of competent jurisdiction in the state of Louisiana.

(3) “Domestic abuse” includes but is not limited to physical or sexual abuse and any offense against the person, physical or non-physical, as defined in the Criminal Code of Louisiana, except negligent injury and defamation, committed by one family member, household member, or dating partner against another. “Domestic abuse” also includes abuse of adults as defined in R.S. 15:1503 when committed by an adult child or adult grandchild.

(4) “Family members” means spouses, former spouses, parents and children, stepparents, stepchildren, foster parents, foster children, other ascendants, and other descendants. “Family member” also means the other parent or foster parent of any child or foster child of the offender. “Household members” means any person presently or formerly living in the same residence with the defendant and who is involved or has been involved in a sexual or intimate relationship with the defendant, or any child presently or formerly living in the same residence with the defendant, or any child of the defendant regardless of where the child resides. “Dating partner” means any person protected from violence under R.S. 46:2151. If a parent or grandparent is being abused by an adult child, adult foster child, or adult grandchild, the provisions of this Part shall apply to any proceeding brought in district court.

§ 2133. Jurisdiction; venue; standing

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16 de noviembre de 2023

A. Any court in the state of Louisiana which is empowered to hear family or juvenile matters shall have jurisdiction over proceedings appropriate to it under this Part.

B. Venue lies:

(1) In the parish where the marital domicile is located or where the household is located.

(2) In the parish where the defendant resides.

(3) In the parish where the abuse is alleged to have been committed.

(4) In the parish where the petitioner resides.

(5) In the parish where an action for annulment of marriage or for a divorce could be brought pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure Article 3941(A).

C. Notwithstanding the venue provisions of Subsection B of this Section, in a judicial district comprised of multiple parishes, if a court determines that it is in the interest of justice to afford the parties a more expeditious hearing than current docketing scheduling would permit, or to comply with the time provisions provided for by this Part, a judge or hearing officer may conduct a hearing in any parish within the judicial district.

D. An adult may seek relief under this Part by filing a petition with the court alleging abuse by the defendant. Any parent, adult household member, or district attorney may seek relief on behalf of any minor child or any person alleged to be incompetent by filing a petition with the court alleging abuse by the defendant. A petitioner’s right to relief under this Part shall not be affected by leaving the residence or household to avoid further abuse.

§ 2134. Petition

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A. A petition filed under the provisions of this Part shall contain the following:

(1) The name of each petitioner and each person on whose behalf the petition is filed, and the name, address, and parish of residence of each individual alleged to have committed abuse, if known; if the petition is being filed on behalf of a child or person alleged to be incompetent, the relationship between that person and the petitioner.

(2) The facts and circumstances concerning the alleged abuse.

(3) The relationship between each petitioner and each individual alleged to have committed abuse.

(4) A request for one or more protective orders.

(5) If desired, a request for a competent interpreter for a non-English-speaking principal party or witness to the proceeding.

B. The address and parish of each petitioner and each person on whose behalf the petition is filed may remain confidential with the court.

C. If the petition requests a protective order for a spouse and alleges that the other spouse has committed abuse, the petition shall state whether a suit for divorce is pending.

D. If the petition requests the issuance of an ex parte temporary restraining order, the petition shall contain a written affirmation signed and dated by each petitioner that the facts and circumstances contained in the petition are true and correct to the best knowledge, information, and belief of the petitioner, under penalty of perjury pursuant to R.S. 14:123. The affirmation shall be made before a witness who shall sign and print his name.

E. If a suit for divorce is pending, any application for a protective order shall be filed in that proceeding and shall be heard within the delays provided by this Part. Any decree issued in a divorce proceeding filed subsequent to a petition filed or an order issued pursuant to this Part may, in the discretion of the court hearing the divorce proceeding, supersede in whole or in part the orders issued pursuant to this Part. Such subsequent decree shall be forwarded by the rendering court to the court having jurisdiction of the petition for a protective order and shall be made a part of the record thereof. The findings and rulings made in connection with such protective orders shall not be res judicata in any subsequent proceeding.

F. A petitioner shall not be required to prepay or be cast with court costs or costs of service or subpoena for the filing of the petition or the issuance of a temporary restraining order or protective order pursuant to this Part, and the clerk of court shall immediately file and process the petition and temporary restraining order issued pursuant to this Part, regardless of the ability of the petitioner to pay court costs.G. If the court orders the issuance of a temporary restraining order, the defendant may be cast for all costs.

§ 2135. Temporary restraining order

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. Upon good cause shown in an ex parte proceeding, the court may enter a temporary restraining order, without bond, as it deems necessary to protect from abuse the petitioner, any minor children, or any person alleged to be an incompetent. Any person who shows immediate and present danger of abuse shall constitute good cause for purposes of this Subsection. The court shall consider any and all past history of abuse, or threats thereof, in determining the existence of an immediate and present danger of abuse. There is no requirement that the abuse itself be recent, immediate, or present. The order may include but is not limited to the following:

(1) Directing the defendant to refrain from abusing, harassing, or interfering with the person or employment or going near the residence or place of employment of the petitioner, the minor children, or any person alleged to be incompetent, on whose behalf a petition was filed under this Part.

(2) Awarding to a party use and possession of specified jointly owned or leased property, such as an automobile.

(3) Granting possession to the petitioner of the residence or household to the exclusion of the defendant, by evicting the defendant or restoring possession to the petitioner where:

(a) The residence is jointly owned in equal proportion or leased by the defendant and the petitioner or the person on whose behalf the petition is brought;

(b) The residence is solely owned by the petitioner or the person on whose behalf the petition is brought; or

(c) The residence is solely leased by defendant and defendant has a duty to support the petitioner or the person on whose behalf the petition is brought.

(4) Prohibiting either party from the transferring, encumbering, or otherwise disposing of property mutually owned or leased by the parties, except when in the ordinary course of business, or for the necessary support of the party or the minor children.

(5) Awarding temporary custody of minor children or persons alleged to be incompetent.

(6) Awarding or restoring possession to the petitioner of all separate property and all personal property, including but not limited to telephones or other communication equipment, computers, medications, clothing, toiletries, social security cards, birth certificates or other forms of identification, tools of the trade, checkbooks, keys, automobiles, photographs, jewelry, or any other items or personal effects of the petitioner and restraining the defendant from transferring, encumbering, concealing, or disposing of the personal or separate property of the petitioner.

(7) Granting to the petitioner the exclusive care, possession, or control of any pets belonging to or under the care of the petitioner or minor children residing in the residence or household of either party, and directing the defendant to refrain from harassing, interfering with, abusing or injuring any pet, without legal justification, known to be owned, possessed, leased, kept, or held by either party or a minor child residing in the residence or household of either party.

B. If a temporary restraining order is granted without notice, the matter shall be set within twenty-one days for a rule to show cause why the protective order should not be issued, at which time the petitioner must prove the allegations of abuse by a preponderance of the evidence. The defendant shall be given notice of the temporary restraining order and the hearing on the rule to show cause by service of process as required by law within twenty-four hours of the issuance of the order.

C. During the existence of the temporary restraining order, a party shall have the right to return to the family residence once to recover his or her personal clothing and necessities, provided that the party is accompanied by a law enforcement officer to ensure the protection and safety of the parties.

D. If no temporary restraining order has been granted, the court shall issue a rule to show cause why the protective order should not be issued, and set the rule for hearing on the earliest day that the business of the court will permit, but in any case within ten days from the date of service of the petition, at which time the petitioner must prove the allegations of abuse by a preponderance of the evidence. The defendant shall be given notice by service of process as required by law.

E. If the hearing pursuant to Subsection B or D of this Section is continued, the court shall make or extend such temporary restraining orders as it deems necessary. Any continuance of a hearing ordered pursuant to Subsection B or D of this Section shall not exceed fifteen days, unless good cause is shown for further continuance.

F. The court may, in its discretion, grant an emergency temporary restraining order outside regular court hours.

G. Immediately upon entering a temporary restraining order, the judge shall cause to have prepared a Uniform Abuse Prevention Order, as provided in R.S. 46:2136.2(C), shall sign such order, and shall immediately forward it to the clerk of court for filing on the day that the order is issued.

H. The clerk of the issuing court shall transmit the Uniform Abuse Prevention Order to the judicial administrator’s office, Louisiana Supreme Court, for entry into the Louisiana Protective Order Registry, as provided in R.S. 46:2136.2(A), by facsimile transmission or direct electronic input as expeditiously as possible, but no later than the end of the next business day after the order is filed with the clerk of court. The clerk of the issuing court shall also send a copy of the Uniform Abuse Prevention Order, as provided in R.S. 46:2136.2(C), or any modification thereof, to the chief law enforcement officer of the parish where the person or persons protected by the order reside by facsimile transmission or direct electronic input as expeditiously as possible, but no later than the end of the next business day after the order is filed with the clerk of court. A copy of the Uniform Abuse Prevention Order shall be reviewed by the law enforcement agency and shall be retained on file in the office of the chief law enforcement officer until otherwise directed by the court.

I. The initial rule to show cause hearing required pursuant to Subsection B or D may be conducted by a hearing officer who is qualified and selected in the same manner provided in R.S. 46:236.5(C). The hearing officer shall be subject to the applicable limitations and shall follow the applicable procedures provided in R.S. 46:236.5(C). The hearing officer shall make recommendations to the court as to the action that should be taken in the matter.

J. Upon filing a petition for a temporary restraining order, regardless of whether the court grants the temporary restraining order, the clerk of court shall notify the petitioner of his right to initiate criminal proceedings and shall inform the petitioner that the granting of a temporary restraining order pursuant to the provisions of this Section does not automatically file criminal charges against the defendant.

§ 2136. Protective orders; content; modification; service

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. The court may grant any protective order or approve any consent agreement to bring about a cessation of domestic abuse as defined in R.S. 46:2132, or the threat or danger thereof, to a party, any minor children, or any person alleged to be incompetent, which relief may include but is not limited to:

(1) Granting the relief enumerated in R.S. 46:2135.

(2) Where there is a duty to support a party, any minor children, or any person alleged to be incompetent living in the residence or household, ordering payment of temporary support or provision of suitable housing for them, or granting possession to the petitioner of the residence or household to the exclusion of the defendant, by evicting the defendant or restoring possession to the petitioner where the residence is solely owned by the defendant and the petitioner has been awarded the temporary custody of the minor children born of the parties.

(3) Awarding temporary custody of or establishing temporary visitation rights and conditions with regard to any minor children or person alleged to be incompetent.

(4)(a) Ordering either a medical or mental health evaluation or both of the perpetrator to be conducted by an independent court-appointed evaluator who qualifies as an expert in the field of domestic abuse. The evaluation shall be conducted by a person who has no family, financial, or prior medical or mental health relationship with the perpetrator or his attorney of record.

(b) After a medical or mental health evaluation has been completed and a report issued, the court may order counseling or other medical or mental health treatment as deemed appropriate.

B. A protective order may be rendered pursuant to this Part if the court has jurisdiction over the parties and subject matter and either of the following occurs:

(1) The parties enter into a consent agreement.

(2) Reasonable notice and opportunity to be heard is given to the person against whom the order is sought sufficient to protect that person’s right to due process.

C. Any protective order issued within this state or outside this state that is consistent with Subsection B of this Section shall be accorded full faith and credit by the courts of this state and enforced as if it were the order of the enforcing court.

D. (1) On the motion of any party, the court, after notice to the other parties and a hearing, may modify a prior order to exclude any item included in the prior order, or to include any item that could have been included in the prior order.

(2) On the motion of any party, after a hearing, the court may modify the effective period of a protective order pursuant to Paragraph (F)(2) of this Section.

E. A protective order made under this Part shall be served on the person to whom the order applies in open court at the close of the hearing, or in the same manner as a writ of injunction.

F. (1) Except as provided in Paragraph (2) of this Subsection, any final protective order or approved consent agreement shall be for a fixed period of time, not to exceed eighteen months, and may be extended by the court, after a contradictory hearing, in its discretion. Such protective order or extension thereof shall be subject to a devolutive appeal only.

(2)(a) For any protective order granted by the court which directs the defendant to refrain from abusing, harassing, or interfering with the person as provided in R.S. 46:2135(A)(1), the court may grant the order to be effective for an indefinite period of time as provided by the provisions of this Paragraph on its own motion or by motion of the petitioner. The indefinite period shall be limited to the portion of the protective order which directs the defendant to refrain from abusing, harassing, or interfering with the person as provided in R.S. 46:2135(A)(1).

(b) The hearing for this motion shall be conducted concurrently with the hearing for the rule to show cause why the protective order should not be issued.

(c) Any motion to modify the indefinite effective period of the protective order as provided in Subparagraph (a) of this Paragraph may be granted only after a good faith effort has been made to provide reasonable notice of the hearing to the victim, the victim’s designated agent, or the victim’s counsel, and either of the following occur:

(i) The victim, the victim’s designated agent, or the victim’s counsel is present at the hearing or provides written waiver of such appearance.

(ii) After a good faith effort has been made to provide reasonable notice of the hearing, the victim could not be located.

G. Immediately upon granting a protective order or approving any consent agreement, the judge shall cause to have prepared a Uniform Abuse Prevention Order, as provided in R.S. 46:2136.2(C), shall sign such order, and shall immediately forward it to the clerk of court for filing on the day that the order is issued.

H. The clerk of the issuing court shall transmit the Uniform Abuse Prevention Order to the judicial administrator’s office, Louisiana Supreme Court, for entry into the Louisiana Protective Order Registry, as provided in R.S. 46:2136.2(A), by facsimile transmission or direct electronic input as expeditiously as possible, but no later than the end of the next business day after the order is filed with the clerk of court. The clerk of the issuing court shall also send a copy of the Uniform Abuse Prevention Order, as provided in R.S. 46:2136.2(C), or any modification thereof, to the chief law enforcement officer of the parish where the person or persons protected by the order reside by facsimile transmission or direct electronic input as expeditiously as possible, but no later than the end of the next business day after the order is filed with the clerk of court. A copy of the Uniform Abuse Prevention Order shall be reviewed by the law enforcement agency and shall be retained on file in the office of the chief law enforcement officer until otherwise directed by the court.

I. At the proceeding, regardless of whether the court grants the protective order, the court shall notify the petitioner of his right to initiate criminal proceedings and shall inform the petitioner that the granting of a protective order pursuant to the provisions of this Section does not automatically file criminal charges against the defendant.

§ 2136.1 Costs paid by abuser

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. Except as provided in Subsection B of this Section, all court costs, attorney fees, costs of enforcement and modification proceedings, costs of appeal, evaluation fees, and expert witness fees incurred in maintaining or defending any proceeding concerning domestic abuse assistance in accordance with the provisions of this Part shall be paid by the perpetrator of the domestic violence, including all costs of medical and psychological care for the abused adult, or for any of the children, necessitated by the domestic violence.

B. If the court determines the petition was frivolous, the court may order the nonprevailing party to pay all court costs and reasonable attorney fees of the other party. Failure to appear at a hearing on the petition shall not on its own constitute grounds for assessing court costs and fees against the petitioner.

§ 2136.2 Louisiana Protective Order Registry

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. In order to provide a statewide registry for abuse prevention orders to prevent domestic abuse, dating violence, stalking, and sexual assault and to aid law enforcement, prosecutors, and the courts in handling such matters, there shall be created a Louisiana Protective Order Registry administered by the judicial administrator’s office, Louisiana Supreme Court. The judicial administrator’s office shall collect the data transmitted to it from the courts, law enforcement, and private process servers of the state and enter it into the Louisiana Protective Order Registry as expeditiously as possible.

B. The Louisiana Protective Order Registry encompasses temporary restraining orders, protective orders, preliminary injunctions, permanent injunctions, and court-approved consent agreements resulting from actions brought pursuant to R.S. 46:2131 et seq., R.S. 46:2151, R.S. 46:2171 et seq., R.S. 46:2181 et seq., R.S. 9:361 et seq., R.S. 9:372, Children’s Code Article 1564 et seq., Code of Civil Procedure Article 3607.1, or peace bonds pursuant to Code of Criminal Procedure Article 30(B), or as part of the disposition, sentence, or bail condition of a criminal matter pursuant to Code of Criminal Procedure Articles 327.1, 335.1, 335.2, or 871.1 as long as such order is issued for the purpose of preventing violent or threatening acts or harassment against, contact or communication with, or physical proximity to, another person to prevent domestic abuse, stalking, dating violence, or sexual assault.

C. The courts of this state shall use a uniform form for the issuance of any protective or restraining order, which form shall be developed, approved, and distributed by the judicial administrator’s office, shall be titled the “Uniform Abuse Prevention Order”.

D. The clerk of the issuing court shall immediately send a copy of the order or any modification thereof to the Louisiana Protective Order Registry and to the chief law enforcement officer of the parish in which the person or persons protected by the order reside as expeditiously as possible but no later than by the end of the next business day after the order is filed with the clerk of court. Transmittal of the Uniform Abuse Prevention Order shall be made by facsimile transmission or direct electronic input as expeditiously as possible, but no later than the end of the next business day after the order is filed with the clerk of court.

E. Upon formation, the registry shall immediately implement a daily process of expungement of records and names of the parties in all cases where either a temporary restraining order expires without conversion to an injunction or, after an evidentiary hearing, it is determined that a protective order is not warranted.

F. The judicial administrator’s office shall make the Louisiana Protective Order Registry available to state and local law enforcement agencies, district attorney offices, the Department of Children and Family Services, office of children and family services, child support enforcement section, the Louisiana Department of Health, bureau of protective services, the office of elderly affairs, elderly protective services, the office of the attorney general, and the courts.

§ 2136.3. Prohibition on the possession of firearms by a person against whom a protective order is issued

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. Any person against whom the court has issued a permanent injunction or a protective order pursuant to a court-approved consent agreement or pursuant to the provisions of R.S. 9:361 et seq., R.S. 9:372, R.S. 46:2136, 2151, or 2173, Children’s Code Article 1570, Code of Civil Procedure Article 3607.1, or Code of Criminal Procedure Articles 30, 327.1, 335.1, 335.2, or 871.1 shall be prohibited from possessing a firearm for the duration of the injunction or protective order if both of the following occur:

(1) The permanent injunction or protective order includes a finding that the person subject to the permanent injunction or protective order represents a credible threat to the physical safety of a family member or household member.

(2) The permanent injunction or protective order informs the person subject to the permanent injunction or protective order that the person is prohibited from possessing a firearm pursuant to the provisions of 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(8) and R.S. 46:2136.3.

B. For the provisions of this Section, “firearm” means any pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun, machine gun, submachine gun, black powder weapon, or assault rifle which is designed to fire or is capable of firing fixed cartridge ammunition or from which a shot or projectile is discharged by an explosive.

§ 2138. Assistance; clerk of court; domestic abuse advocate

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023
A. The clerk of court shall make forms available for making application for protective orders under this Part, provide clerical assistance to the petitioner when necessary, advise indigent applicants of the availability of filing in forma pauperis, provide the necessary forms, as supplied by the judicial administrator's office, Louisiana Supreme Court, and provide the services of a notary, where available, for completion of the affidavit required in R.S. 46:2134(D).

B. Domestic abuse advocates may provide clerical assistance to petitioners in making an application for a protective order in accordance with this Part.

C. For purposes of this Section, “domestic abuse advocate” means an employee or representative of a community based shelter providing services to victims of family violence or domestic abuse.

§ 2139. Other relief not affected

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

The granting of any relief authorized under this Part shall not preclude any other relief authorized by law.

§ 2140. Law enforcement officers; duties

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. If a law enforcement officer has reason to believe that a family or household member or dating partner has been abused and the abusing party is in violation of a temporary restraining order, a preliminary or permanent injunction, or a protective order issued pursuant to R.S. 9:361 et seq., R.S. 9:372, R.S. 46:2131 et seq., R.S. 46:2151, R.S. 46:2171 et seq., Children’s Code Article 1564 et seq., Code of Civil Procedure Articles 3604 and 3607.1, or Code of Criminal Procedure Articles 30, 327.1, 335.1, 335.2, and 871.1, the officer shall immediately arrest the abusing party.

B. If a law enforcement officer has reason to believe that a family or household member or dating partner has been abused, and the abusing party is not in violation of a restraining order, a preliminary or permanent injunction, or a protective order, the officer shall immediately use all reasonable means to prevent further abuse, including:

(1) Arresting the abusive party with a warrant or without a warrant pursuant to Code of Criminal Procedure Article 213, if probable cause exists to believe that a felony has been committed by that person, whether or not the offense occurred in the officer’s presence.

(2) Arresting the abusive party in case of any misdemeanor crime which endangers the physical safety of the abused person whether or not the offense occurred in the presence of the officer. If there is no cause to believe there is impending danger, arresting the abusive party is at the officer’s discretion.

(3) Assisting the abused person in obtaining medical treatment necessitated by the battery; arranging for, or providing, or assisting in the procurement of transportation for the abused person to a place of shelter or safety.

(4) Notifying the abused person of his right to initiate criminal or civil proceedings; the availability of the protective order, R.S. 46:2136; and the availability of community assistance for domestic violence victims.

C. (1) When a law enforcement officer receives conflicting accounts of domestic abuse or dating violence, the officer shall evaluate each account separately to determine if one party was the predominant aggressor.

(2) In determining if one party is the predominant aggressor, the law enforcement officer may consider any other relevant factors, but shall consider the following factors based upon his or her observation:

(a) Evidence from complainants and other witnesses.

(b) The extent of personal injuries received by each person.

(c) Whether a person acted in self-defense.

(d) An imminent threat of future injury to any of the parties.

(e) Prior complaints of domestic abuse or dating violence, if that history can be reasonably ascertained by the officer.

(f) The future welfare of any minors who are present at the scene.

(g) The existence of a temporary restraining order, a preliminary or permanent injunction, or a protective order issued pursuant to R.S. 9:361 et seq., R.S. 9:372, R.S. 46:2131 et seq., R.S. 46:2151, R.S. 46:2171 et seq., Children’s Code Article 1564 et seq., Code of Civil Procedure Articles 3604 and 3607.1, or Code of Criminal Procedure Articles 30, 327.1, 335.1, 335.2, and 871.1. The officer shall presume that the predominant aggressor is the person against whom the order was issued.

(3)(a) If the officer determines that one person was the predominant aggressor in a felony offense, the officer shall arrest that person. The arrest shall be subject to the laws governing arrest, including the need for probable cause as otherwise provided by law.

(b) If the officer determines that one person was the predominant aggressor in a misdemeanor offense, the officer shall arrest the predominant aggressor if there is reason to believe that there is impending danger or if the predominant aggressor is in violation of a temporary restraining order, a preliminary or permanent injunction, or a protective order issued pursuant to R.S. 9:361 et seq., R.S. 9:372, R.S. 46:2131 et seq., R.S. 46:2151, R.S. 46:2171 et seq., Children’s Code Article 1564 et seq., Code of Civil Procedure Articles 3604 and 3607.1, or Code of Criminal Procedure Articles 30, 327.1, 335.1, 335.2, and 871.1. If there is no threat of impending danger or no violation of a temporary restraining order, a preliminary or permanent injunction, or a protective order, the officer may arrest the predominant aggressor at the officer’s discretion, whether or not the offense occurred in the presence of the officer. An arrest pursuant to the provisions of this Subparagraph shall be subject to the laws governing arrest, including the need for probable cause as otherwise provided by law. The exceptions provided for in this Section shall apply.

(4) As used in this Subsection:

(a) “Dating violence” has the meaning as defined in R.S. 46:2151(C).

(b) “Domestic abuse” has the meaning as defined in R.S. 46:2132(3).

§ 2141. Reporting

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

Whenever a law enforcement officer investigates an allegation of domestic abuse, whether or not an arrest is made, the officer shall make a written report of the alleged incident, including a statement of the complainant, and the disposition of the case.

§ 2142. Immunity

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

Any law enforcement officer reporting in good faith, exercising due care in the making of an arrest or providing assistance pursuant to the provisions of R.S. 46:2140 and 2141 shall have immunity from any civil liability that otherwise might be incurred or imposed because of the report, arrest, or assistance provided.

§ 2143. Use of electronic monitoring of offenders; pilot program

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. When a court issues any peace bond, temporary restraining order, protective order, preliminary injunction, permanent injunction or court-approved consent agreements pursuant to R.S. 46:2131 et seq., R.S. 9:361 et seq., R.S. 9:372 et seq., Children’s Code Article 1564 et seq., Code of Civil Procedure Article 3604, or as part of the disposition, sentence, or bail condition of a criminal matter pursuant to Code of Criminal Procedure Articles 327.1 or 871.1 for the purpose of preventing acts of domestic violence, the court may also order the domestic violence offender to participate in an electronic monitoring program. However, the use of electronic monitoring equipment shall be used only if the domestic abuse victim has consented to its use.

B. The court shall specify the terms of the electronic monitoring program, which shall include but is not limited to the following requirements:

(1) The device shall alert the domestic violence victim and the appropriate law enforcement agency when the domestic violence offender is within a certain distance of the protected person or protected premises, as ordered by the court. The court issuing the order shall be notified of the violation of the order by the local law enforcement agency within twenty-four hours.

(2) The device shall be worn at all times by the domestic violence offender.

(3) Equipment shall be installed or placed in the home of the offender to monitor the compliance of the offender.

(4) The offender shall be placed under the supervision of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, or the court in misdemeanor cases, for the purposes of monitoring.

C. The cost of electronic monitoring shall be paid by the domestic violence offender.

D.(1)(a) Any court in the parishes of East Baton Rouge and Lafourche which has jurisdiction over the matters provided for in Subsection A of this Section shall be authorized to implement the provisions of this Section. No other court may do so, except as provided in Paragraph (2) of this Subsection.

(b)(i) Any court which exercises this authority shall maintain a record of the use of electronic monitoring devices, their effectiveness, any added costs that result, and any other information relevant to providing a basis for a determination of the value of the use of such devices and whether the authority to use such devices should be expanded to all courts with jurisdiction over the matters provided for in Subsection A of this Section.

(ii) All records required in Item (i) of this Subparagraph shall be submitted to the Judicial Council in a manner and at a time required by the council. The Judicial Council shall review all such records and study any recommendation submitted by the courts with the records and determine whether the authority to use such devices should be expanded to all courts with relevant jurisdiction for use in appropriate matters.

(2) At the conclusion of such study and upon a determination that the authority should be expanded, the pilot continued, or the authority revoked and the use discontinued, the Judicial Council shall advise all relevant courts. This determination shall provide the authority for the use or discontinuation of the use of such devices until the Judicial Council determines otherwise.

Chapter 28-A. Protection from Dating Violence Act

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

§ 2151. Dating violence

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. A victim of a dating partner, as defined in Subsection B of this Section, shall be eligible to receive all services, benefits, and other forms of assistance provided by Chapter 28 of this Title.1

B. For purposes of this Section, “dating partner” means any person who is involved or has been involved in a sexual or intimate relationship with the offender characterized by the expectation of affectionate involvement independent of financial considerations, regardless of whether the person presently lives or formerly lived in the same residence with the offender. “Dating partner” shall not include a casual relationship or ordinary association between persons in a business or social context.

C. For purposes of this Section, “dating violence” includes but is not limited to physical or sexual abuse and any offense against the person as defined in the Criminal Code of Louisiana, except negligent injury and defamation, committed by one dating partner against the other.

Chapter 28-C. Protection from Stalking Act

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

§ 2171.1. Jurisdiction

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

Any district court in the state of Louisiana which is empowered to hear civil matters shall have jurisdiction over proceedings appropriate to it under this Chapter.

§ 2172. Definitions

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

As used in this Chapter, “stalking” means any act that would constitute the crime of stalking under R.S. 14:40.2 or cyberstalking under R.S. 14:40.3.

§ 2173. Protection from stalking

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A victim of stalking by a perpetrator who is a stranger to or acquaintance of the victim shall be eligible to receive all services, benefits, and other forms of assistance provided by Chapter 28 of this Title, provided the services, benefits, and other forms of assistance are applicable based on the status of the relationship between the victim and perpetrator.

Chapter 28-D. Protection for Victims of Sexual Assault Act

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

§ 2181. Legislative purpose

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. The legislature hereby finds and declares that sexual assault is a major public health problem and a violation of human rights that affects many women and men at some time in their lives. These effects range from threats of violence or actual violence to the daily limitations that the fear of violence places on victims’ lives. The ripple effect of sexual assault threatens the peace, order, health, safety, and general welfare of the state and its residents.

B. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately one in five women and one in seventy-one men have experienced rape in their lifetime. Rape is recognized as the most under-reported crime, and victims of rape and other forms of sexual assault who do not report the crime still desire safety and protection from future interactions with the offender. Additionally, in some cases the rape or other sexual assault is reported but not prosecuted, as the nature of such allegations are sometimes not easily substantiated to meet the prosecution’s burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. In such cases, the victims of sexual assault are left without protection.

C. Orders of protection are a proven deterrent that can protect victims of sexual assault from further victimization. However, many victims are forced to pursue civil orders of protection through ordinary process, often unrepresented, rather than through a shortened summary proceeding. Additionally, victims of sexual assault are not always aware of the vast resources available to assist them in recovering from the trauma associated with being a victim of sexual assault.

D. It is the intent of the legislature to provide a civil remedy for all victims of sexual assault that will afford the victim immediate and easily accessible protection.

§ 2183. Protection from sexual assault; temporary restraining order

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. A victim of sexual assault as defined by R.S. 46:2184, perpetrated by a person who is either unknown to the victim or who is an acquaintance of the victim, shall be eligible to receive all services, benefits, and other forms of assistance provided by Chapter 28 of this Title.

B. For persons who are eligible, under the provisions of this Chapter, to seek a temporary restraining order pursuant to the provisions of R.S. 46:2135, a showing that the person is or has been a victim of sexual assault shall constitute good cause for purposes of obtaining a temporary restraining order in an ex parte proceeding.

§ 2184. Definitions

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

For purposes of this Chapter, “sexual assault‘means any nonconsensual sexual contact including but not limited to any act provided in R.S. 15:541(24) or obscenity (R.S. 14:106).

§ 2185. Jurisdiction; venue

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. Any court in the state of Louisiana that is empowered to hear family or juvenile matters shall have jurisdiction over proceedings appropriate to it under this Chapter.

B. Venue under this Chapter lies:

(1) In the parish where the victim resides.

(2) In the parish where the defendant resides.

(3) In the parish where the sexual assault is alleged to have been committed.

§ 2187. Privileged communications and records

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. For purposes of this Section:

(1) “Privileged communication” means a communication made to a representative or employee of a sexual assault center by a victim. It also means a communication not otherwise privileged made by a representative or employee of a sexual assault center to a victim in the course of rendering services authorized by R.S. 46:2186.

(2) “Sexual assault center” means a program established and accredited in accordance with the standards set by the Louisiana Foundation Against Sexual Assault.

(3) “Victim” means a person against whom an act of attempted or perpetrated sexual assault was committed.

B. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person shall be required to disclose, by way of testimony or otherwise, a privileged communication, or to produce any records, documentary evidence, opinions, or decisions relating to such privileged communication, in connection with any civil or criminal proceeding.

C. Records relating to a privileged communication maintained by a sexual assault center shall not be public records, but such records may be used for the compilation of statistical data if the identity of the victim and the contents of any privileged communication are not disclosed.

 

Louisiana Civil Code (select sections)

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

Book I. Of Persons

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

Title V. Divorce

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

Chapter 1. The Divorce Action

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

Art. 103. Judgment of divorce; other grounds

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

Except in the case of a covenant marriage, a divorce shall be granted on the petition of a spouse upon proof that:

(1) The spouses have been living separate and apart continuously for the requisite period of time, in accordance with Article 103.1, or more on the date the petition is filed.

(2) The other spouse has committed adultery.

(3) The other spouse has committed a felony and has been sentenced to death or imprisonment at hard labor.

(4) During the marriage, the other spouse physically or sexually abused the spouse seeking divorce or a child of one of the spouses, regardless of whether the other spouse was prosecuted for the act of abuse.

(5) After a contradictory hearing or consent decree, a protective order or an injunction was issued during the marriage against the other spouse to protect the spouse seeking the divorce or a child of one of the spouses from abuse.

Art. 103.1. Judgment of divorce; time periods

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

The requisite periods of time, in accordance with Articles 102 and 103 shall be as follows:

(1) One hundred eighty days where there are no minor children of the marriage.

(2) Three hundred sixty-five days when there are minor children of the marriage at the time the rule to show cause is filed in accordance with Article 102 or a petition is filed in accordance with Article 103.

Chapter 2. Provisional and Incidental Proceedings

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

Section 1. Spousal Support

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

Art. 111. Spousal support; authority of court

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

In a proceeding for divorce or thereafter, the court may award interim periodic support to a party or may award final periodic support to a party who is in need of support and who is free from fault prior to the filing of a proceeding to terminate the marriage in accordance with the following Articles.

Art. 112. Determination of final periodic support

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. When a spouse has not been at fault prior to the filing of a petition for divorce and is in need of support, based on the needs of that party and the ability of the other party to pay, that spouse may be awarded final periodic support in accordance with Paragraph B of this Article.

B. The court shall consider all relevant factors in determining the amount and duration of final support, including:

(1) The income and means of the parties, including the liquidity of such means.

(2) The financial obligations of the parties, including any interim allowance or final child support obligation.

(3) The earning capacity of the parties.

(4) The effect of custody of children upon a party’s earning capacity.

(5) The time necessary for the claimant to acquire appropriate education, training, or employment.

(6) The health and age of the parties.

(7) The duration of the marriage.

(8) The tax consequences to either or both parties.

(9) The existence, effect, and duration of any act of domestic abuse committed by the other spouse upon the claimant or a child of one of the spouses, regardless of whether the other spouse was prosecuted for the act of domestic violence.

C. When a spouse is awarded a judgment of divorce pursuant to Article 103(2), (3), (4), or (5), or when the court determines that a party or a child of one of the spouses was the victim of domestic abuse committed by the other party during the marriage, that spouse is presumed to be entitled to final periodic support.

D. The sum awarded under this Article shall not exceed one-third of the obligor’s net income. Nevertheless, when support is awarded after a judgment of divorce is rendered pursuant to Article 103(4) or (5), or when the court determines that a party or a child of one of the spouses was the victim of domestic abuse committed by the other party during the marriage, the sum awarded may exceed one-third of the obligor’s net income and may be awarded as a lump sum.

Art. 115. Extinguishment of spousal support obligation

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

The obligation of interim spousal support or final periodic support is extinguished upon the remarriage of the obligee, the death of either party, or a judicial determination that the obligee has cohabited with another person of either sex in the manner of married persons.

Section 3. Child Custody

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

Art. 131. Court to determine custody

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

In a proceeding for divorce or thereafter, the court shall award custody of a child in accordance with the best interest of the child.

Art. 132. Award of custody to parents

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

If the parents agree who is to have custody, the court shall award custody in accordance with their agreement unless the provisions of R.S. 9:364 apply or the best interest of the child requires a different award. Subject to the provisions of R.S. 9:364, in the absence of agreement, or if the agreement is not in the best interest of the child, the court shall award custody to the parents jointly; however, if custody in one parent is shown by clear and convincing evidence to serve the best interest of the child, the court shall award custody to that parent.

Art. 133. Award of custody to person other than a parent; order of preference

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

If an award of joint custody or of sole custody to either parent would result in substantial harm to the child, the court shall award custody to another person with whom the child has been living in a wholesome and stable environment, or otherwise to any other person able to provide an adequate and stable environment.

Art. 134. Factors in determining child's best interest

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. Except as provided in Paragraph B of this Article, the court shall consider all relevant factors in determining the best interest of the child, including:

(1) The potential for the child to be abused, as defined by Children’s Code Article 603, which shall be the primary consideration.

(2) The love, affection, and other emotional ties between each party and the child.

(3) The capacity and disposition of each party to give the child love, affection, and spiritual guidance and to continue the education and rearing of the child.

(4) The capacity and disposition of each party to provide the child with food, clothing, medical care, and other material needs.

(5) The length of time the child has lived in a stable, adequate environment, and the desirability of maintaining continuity of that environment.

(6) The permanence, as a family unit, of the existing or proposed custodial home or homes.

(7) The moral fitness of each party, insofar as it affects the welfare of the child.

(8) The history of substance abuse, violence, or criminal activity of any party.

(9) The mental and physical health of each party. Evidence that an abused parent suffers from the effects of past abuse by the other parent shall not be grounds for denying that parent custody.

(10) The home, school, and community history of the child.

(11) The reasonable preference of the child, if the court deems the child to be of sufficient age to express a preference.

(12) The willingness and ability of each party to facilitate and encourage a close and continuing relationship between the child and the other party, except when objectively substantial evidence of specific abusive, reckless, or illegal conduct has caused one party to have reasonable concerns for the child’s safety or well-being while in the care of the other party.

(13) The distance between the respective residences of the parties.

(14) The responsibility for the care and rearing of the child previously exercised by each party.

B. In cases involving a history of committing family violence, as defined in R.S. 9:362, or domestic abuse, as defined in R.S. 46:2132, including sexual abuse, as defined in R.S. 14:403, whether or not a party has sought relief under any applicable law, the court shall determine an award of custody or visitation in accordance with R.S. 9:341 and 364. The court may only find a history of committing family violence if the court finds that one incident of family violence has resulted in serious bodily injury or the court finds more than one incident of family violence.

Art. 137. Denial of visitation; felony rape; death of a parent

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. In a proceeding in which visitation of a child is being sought by a parent, if the child was conceived through the commission of a sex offense as provided by R.S. 15:541, the parent who committed the sex offense shall be denied visitation rights and contact with the child.

B. In a proceeding in which visitation of a child is being sought by a relative by blood or affinity, if the court determines, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the intentional criminal conduct of the relative resulted in the death of the parent of the child, the relative shall be denied visitation rights and contact with the child.

Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure (select sections)

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

Book I. Courts, Actions, and Parties

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

Title I. Courts

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

Chapter 1. Jurisdiction

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

Art. 10. Jurisdiction over status

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. A court which is otherwise competent under the laws of this state has jurisdiction of the following actions or proceedings only under the following conditions:

(1) An adoption proceeding in accordance with Title XII of the Children’s Code, if the surrendering parent of the child, a prospective adoptive parent, the adoptive parent or parents, or any parent of the child has been domiciled in this state for at least eight months, or if the child is in the custody of the Department of Children and Family Services; and an adoption proceeding in accordance with Civil Code Article 212, if either party to the adoption of an adult is domiciled in this state.

(2) An emancipation proceeding if the minor is domiciled in this state.

(3) An interdiction proceeding brought pursuant to the provisions of the Louisiana Uniform Adult Guardianship and Protective Proceedings Jurisdiction Act.

(4) A tutorship or curatorship proceeding if the minor or absentee, as the case may be, is domiciled in this state or has property herein.

(5) A proceeding to obtain the legal custody of a minor if he is domiciled in, or is in, this state.

(6) An action to annul a marriage if one or both of the parties are domiciled in this state.

(7) An action of divorce, if, at the time of filing, one or both of the spouses are domiciled in this state.

(8) Unless otherwise provided by law, an action to establish parentage and support or to disavow parentage if the child is domiciled in or is in this state, and was either born in this state, born out of state while its mother was domiciled in this state, or acknowledged in this state. However, regardless of the location of the child or its place of birth, an action to disavow may be brought if the person seeking to disavow was domiciled in this state at the time of conception and birth and is presumed to be its parent under the laws of this state.

(9) A proceeding for support of an adult child with a disability, as provided in R.S. 9:315.22(E), if he is domiciled in, or is in, this state.

B. For purposes of Subparagraphs (6) and (7) of Paragraph A of this Article, if a spouse has established and maintained a residence in a parish of this state for a period of six months, there shall be a rebuttable presumption that he has a domicile in this state in the parish of such residence.

Book VII. Special Proceedings

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

Title I. Provisional Remedies

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

Chapter 2. Injunction

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

Art. 3601. Injunction, grounds for issuance; preliminary injunction; temporary restraining order

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. An injunction shall be issued in cases where irreparable injury, loss, or damage may otherwise result to the applicant, or in other cases specifically provided by law; provided, however, that no court shall have jurisdiction to issue, or cause to be issued, any temporary restraining order, preliminary injunction, or permanent injunction against any state department, board, or agency, or any officer, administrator, or head thereof, or any officer of the state of Louisiana in any suit involving the expenditure of public funds under any statute or law of this state to compel the expenditure of state funds when the director of such department, board, or agency or the governor shall certify that the expenditure of such funds would have the effect of creating a deficit in the funds of said agency or be in violation of the requirements placed upon the expenditure of such funds by the legislature.

B. No court shall issue a temporary restraining order in cases where the issuance shall stay or enjoin the enforcement of a child support order when the Department of Children and Family Social Services is providing services, except for good cause shown by written reasons made a part of the record.

C. During the pendency of an action for an injunction the court may issue a temporary restraining order, a preliminary injunction, or both, except in cases where prohibited, in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter.

D. Except as otherwise provided by law, an application for injunctive relief shall be by petition.

E. The irreparable injury, loss, or damage enumerated in Paragraph A of this Article may result from the isolation of an individual over the age of eighteen years by any other individual, curator, or mandatary, including but not limited to violations of Civil Code Article 2995 or Code of Civil Procedure Article 4566(J).

Title IV. Divorce and Annulment of Marriage

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

Chapter 1. Divorce and Annulment

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

Art. 3941. Court where action brought; nullity of judgment of court of improper venue

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. An action for an annulment of marriage or for a divorce shall be brought in a parish where either party is domiciled, or in the parish of the last matrimonial domicile.

B. The venue provided in this Article may not be waived, and a judgment rendered in either of these actions by a court of improper venue is an absolute nullity.

Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure (select sections)

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

Title XXXV. Domestic Violence Prevention Firearm Transfer

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

Art. 1001. Definitions

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

As used in this Title:

(1) “Firearm” means any pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun, machine gun, submachine gun, black powder weapon, or assault rifle which is designed to fire or is capable of firing fixed cartridge ammunition or from which a shot or projectile is discharged by an explosive.

(2) “Sheriff” means the sheriff of the jurisdiction in which the order was issued, unless the person resides outside of the jurisdiction in which the order is issued. If the person resides outside of the jurisdiction in which the order is issued, “sheriff” means the sheriff of the parish in which the person resides.

Art. 1002. Transfer of firearms

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. (1) When a person has any of the following, the judge shall order the transfer of all firearms and the suspension of a concealed handgun permit of the person:

(a) A conviction of domestic abuse battery (R.S. 14:35.3).

(b) A second or subsequent conviction of battery of a dating partner (R.S. 14:34.9).

(c) A conviction of battery of a dating partner that involves strangulation (R.S. 14:34.9(K)).

(d) A conviction of battery of a dating partner when the offense involves burning (R.S. 14:34.9(L)).

(e) A conviction of possession of a firearm or carrying a concealed weapon by a person convicted of domestic abuse battery and certain offenses of battery of a dating partner (R.S. 14:95.10).

(f) A conviction of domestic abuse aggravated assault (R.S. 14:37.7).

(g) A conviction of aggravated assault upon a dating partner (R.S. 14:34.9.1).

(h) A conviction of any felony crime of violence enumerated or defined in R.S. 14:2(B), for which a person would be prohibited from possessing a firearm pursuant to R.S. 14:95.1, and which has as an element of the crime that the victim was a family member, household member, or dating partner.

(i) A conviction of any felony crime of violence enumerated or defined in R.S. 14:2(B), for which a person would be prohibited from possessing a firearm pursuant to R.S. 14:95.1, and in which the victim of the crime was determined to be a family member, household member, or dating partner.

(2) Upon issuance of an injunction or order under any of the following circumstances, the judge shall order the transfer of all firearms and the suspension of a concealed handgun permit of the person who is subject to the injunction or order:

(a) The issuance of a permanent injunction or a protective order pursuant to a court-approved consent agreement or pursuant to the provisions of R.S. 9:361 et seq., R.S. 9:372, R.S. 46:2136, 2151, or 2173, Children’s Code Article 1570, Code of Civil Procedure Article 3607.1, or Articles 30, 320, or 871.1 of this Code.

(b) The issuance of a Uniform Abuse Prevention Order that includes terms that prohibit the person from possessing a firearm or carrying a concealed weapon.

B. (1) The order to transfer firearms and suspend a concealed handgun permit shall be issued by the court at the time of conviction for any of the offenses listed in Subparagraph (A)(1) of this Article or at the time the court issues an injunction or order under any of the circumstances listed in Subparagraph (A)(2) of this Article.

(2) In the order to transfer firearms and suspend a concealed handgun permit the court shall inform the person subject to the order that he is prohibited from possessing a firearm and carrying a concealed weapon pursuant to the provisions of 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(8) and Louisiana law.

C. At the same time an order to prohibit a person from possessing a firearm or carrying a concealed weapon is issued, the court shall also cause all of the following to occur:

(1) Require the person to state in open court or complete an affidavit stating the number of firearms in his possession and the location of all firearms in his possession.

(2) Require the person to complete a firearm information form that states the number of firearms in his possession, the type of each firearm, and the location of each firearm.

(3) Transmit a copy of the order to transfer firearms and a copy of the firearm information form to the sheriff of the parish or the sheriff of the parish of the person’s residence.

D. (1) The court shall, on the record and in open court, order the person to transfer all firearms in his possession to the sheriff no later than forty-eight hours, exclusive of legal holidays, after the order is issued and a copy of the order and firearm information form required by Paragraph C of this Article is sent to the sheriff. If the person is incarcerated at the time the order is issued, he shall transfer his firearms no later than forty-eight hours after his release from incarceration, exclusive of legal holidays. At the time of transfer, the sheriff and the person shall complete a proof of transfer form. The proof of transfer form shall contain the quantity of firearms transferred. The sheriff shall retain a copy of the form and provide the person with a copy. The proof of transfer form shall attest that the person is not currently in possession of firearms in accordance with the provisions of this Title and is currently compliant with state and federal law, but shall not include the date on which the transfer occurred.

(2) Within ten days of transferring his firearms, exclusive of legal holidays, the person shall file the proof of transfer form with the clerk of court of the parish in which the order was issued. The proof of transfer form shall be maintained by the clerk of court under seal.

E. (1) If the person subject to the order to transfer firearms and suspend a concealed handgun permit issued pursuant to Paragraph A of this Article does not possess firearms, at the time the order is issued, the person shall complete a declaration of nonpossession form which shall be filed in the court record and a copy shall be provided to the sheriff.

(2) Within five days of the issuance of the order pursuant to Paragraph A of this Article, exclusive of legal holidays, the person shall file the declaration of nonpossession with the clerk of court of the parish in which the order was issued.

F. Notwithstanding the provisions of Paragraph E of this Article or any other provision of law to the contrary, if the person subject to the order to transfer firearms and suspend a concealed handgun permit issued pursuant to Paragraph A of this Article possessed firearms at the time of the qualifying incident giving rise to the duty to transfer his firearms pursuant to this Title, but transferred or sold his firearms to a third party prior to the court’s issuance of the order, that third-party transfer shall be declared in open court. The person subject to the order to transfer firearms and suspend a concealed handgun permit shall within ten days after issuance of the order, exclusive of legal holidays, execute along with the third party and a witness a proof of transfer form that complies with the provisions of Paragraph D of this Article and with Article 1003(A)(1)(a). The proof of transfer form need not be signed by the sheriff and shall be filed, within ten days after the date on which the proof of transfer form is executed, by the person subject to the order with the clerk of court of the parish in which the order was issued. The proof of transfer form shall be maintained by the clerk of court under seal.

G. The failure to provide the information required by this Title, the failure to timely transfer firearms in accordance with the provisions of this Title, or both, may be punished as contempt of court. Information required to be provided in order to comply with the provisions of this Title cannot be used as evidence against that person in a future criminal proceeding, except as provided by the laws on perjury or false swearing.

H. On motion of the district attorney or of the person transferring his firearms, and for good cause shown, the court shall conduct a contradictory hearing with the district attorney to ensure that the person has complied with the provisions of this Title.

I. For the purposes of this Title, a person shall be deemed to be in possession of a firearm if that firearm is subject to his dominion and control.

Art. 1003. Transfer or storage of transferred firearms

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. The sheriff of each parish shall be responsible for oversight of firearm transfers in his parish. For each firearm transferred pursuant to this Title, the sheriff shall offer all of the following options to the transferor:

(1)(a) Allow a third party to receive and hold the transferred firearms. The third party shall complete a firearms acknowledgment form that, at a minimum, informs the third party of the relevant state and federal laws, lists the consequences for noncompliance, and asks if the third party is able to lawfully possess a firearm. No firearm shall be transferred to a third party living in the same residence as the transferor at the time of transfer. The sheriff shall prescribe the manner in which firearms are transferred to a third party.

(b) If a firearm is transferred to a third party pursuant to the provisions of this Subparagraph, the sheriff shall advise the third party that return of the firearm to the person before the person is able to lawfully possess the firearms pursuant to state or federal law may result in the third party being charged with a crime.

(2) Store the transferred firearms in a storage facility with which the sheriff has contracted for the storage of transferred firearms or with the sheriff. The sheriff may charge a reasonable fee for the storage of such firearms.

(3) Oversee the legal sale of the transferred firearms to a third party. The sheriff may contract with a licensed firearms dealer for such purpose. The sheriff may charge a reasonable fee to oversee the sale of firearms.

B. The sheriff shall prepare a receipt for each firearm transferred and provide a copy to the person transferring the firearms. The receipt shall include the firearm manufacturer and firearm serial number. The receipt shall be signed by the officer accepting the firearms and the person transferring the firearms. The sheriff may require the receipt to be presented before returning a transferred firearm.

C. The sheriff shall keep a record of all transferred firearms including but not limited to the name of the person transferring the firearm, the manufacturer, model, serial number, and the manner in which the firearm is stored.

D. (1) When the person is no longer prohibited from possessing a firearm under state or federal law, the person whose firearms were transferred pursuant to the provisions of this Title may file a motion with the court seeking an order for the return of the transferred firearms.

(2) Upon reviewing the motion, if the court determines that the person is no longer prohibited from possessing a firearm under state or federal law, the court shall issue an order stating that the firearms transferred pursuant to the provisions of this Title shall be returned to the person. The order shall include the date on which the person is no longer prohibited from possessing a firearm and a copy of the order shall be sent to the sheriff. However, all outstanding fees shall be paid to the sheriff prior to the firearms being returned.

(3) No sheriff or third party to whom the firearms were transferred pursuant to the provisions of this Title, shall return a transferred firearm prior to receiving the order issued by the court pursuant to the provisions of this Paragraph.

(4) If the person refuses to pay outstanding fees to the sheriff or fails to file a motion with the court seeking an order for the return of the transferred firearms within one year of the expiration of the prohibition on possessing firearms under state or federal law, the sheriff may send, by United States mail to the person’s last known address, a notice informing the person that if he does not pay the outstanding fees to the sheriff or file a motion with the court seeking an order for the return of the transferred firearms within ninety days, the firearms shall be forfeited to the sheriff. If, after ninety days from the mailing of the notice, the person does not pay the outstanding fees to the sheriff or file a motion with the court seeking an order for the return of the transferred firearms, the sheriff may file a motion seeking a court order declaring that the firearms are forfeited to the sheriff, who may thereafter dispose of the firearms at his discretion.

E. The sheriff shall exercise due care to preserve the quality and function of all firearms transferred under the provisions of this Title. However, the sheriff shall not be liable for damage to firearms except for cases of willful or wanton misconduct or gross negligence. In addition, the sheriff shall not be liable for damage caused by the third party to whom the firearms were transferred pursuant to the provisions of this Title.

F. Nothing in this Title shall be construed to prohibit the sheriff, consistent with constitutional requirements, from obtaining a search warrant to authorize testing or examination upon any firearm so as to facilitate any criminal investigation or prosecution. Notwithstanding Article 163(C) or any other provision of law to the contrary, the testing or examination of the firearms pursuant to the search warrant may be conducted at any time before or during the pendency of any criminal proceeding in which the firearms, or the testing or examination of the firearms, may be used as evidence, and shall not be subject to the ten-day period in Article 163(C).

G. Not sooner than three years after the date on which a firearm or firearms are returned pursuant to the provisions of this Article, the person may file a motion with the court requesting that the records relative to the firearm or firearms held by the clerk of court and by the sheriff be destroyed. After a contradictory hearing with the sheriff and the district attorney, which may be waived by the sheriff or the district attorney, the court, if the person is no longer prohibited from possessing firearms under state or federal law and if the firearm or firearms have actually been returned, shall order that the records held by the clerk of court and by the sheriff relative to the returned firearm or firearms be destroyed.

Louisiana Children's Code (select sections)

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

Title X. Judicial Certification of Children for Adoption

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

Chapter 1. Preliminary Provisions; Definitions

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

Art. 1004. Petition for termination of parental rights; authorization to file

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

A. At any time, including in any hearing in a child in need of care proceeding, the court on its own motion may order the filing of a petition on any ground authorized by Article 1015 or 1015.1.

B. Counsel appointed for the child pursuant to Article 607 may petition for the termination of parental rights of the parent of the child if the petition alleges a ground authorized by Article 1015(5), (6), or (7) and, although eighteen months have elapsed since the date of the child’s adjudication as a child in need of care, no petition has been filed by the district attorney or the department.

C. The district attorney may petition for the termination of parental rights of the parent of the child on any ground authorized by Article 1015.

D. The department may petition for the termination of parental rights of the parent of the child when any of the following apply:

(1) The child has been subjected to abuse or neglect after the child is returned to the parent’s care and custody while under department supervision, and termination is authorized by Article 1015(4)(j).

(2) The parent’s parental rights to one or more of the child’s siblings have been terminated due to neglect or abuse and prior attempts to rehabilitate the parent have been unsuccessful, and termination is authorized by Article 1015(4)(k).

(3) The child has been abandoned and termination is authorized by Article 1015(5).

(4) The child has been placed in the custody of the state and termination is authorized by Article 1015(6).

(5) The child is in foster care because the parent is incarcerated and termination is authorized by Article 1015(7).

(6) The child is in foster care and, despite diligent efforts by the department to identify the child’s father, his identity is unknown and termination is authorized by Article 1015(10).

E. When termination is authorized by Article 1015, other than on the grounds specified by Paragraph D of this Article, by special appointment, the district attorney may designate counsel for the department as a special assistant authorized to act in his stead in all such termination actions or in a particular case.

F. By special appointment for a particular case, the court or the district attorney may designate private counsel authorized to petition for the termination of parental rights of the parent of the child on the ground of abandonment authorized by Article 1015(5).

G. Foster parents who intend to adopt the child may petition for the termination of parental rights of the foster child’s parents when, in accordance with Article 702(D), adoption is the permanent plan for the child, the child has been in state custody under the foster parent’s care for seventeen of the last twenty-two months, and the department has failed to petition for such termination.

H. When termination is authorized by Article 1015(1) or (2) and no petition is filed to terminate the parental rights of the surviving parent pursuant to Paragraph A, C, or E of this Article after a written request to file such action is made to the district attorney by any interested person and no petition is filed within sixty days by the district attorney, that person may file suit to terminate the parental rights of the surviving parent.

I. Repealed by Acts 2023, No. 271, § 3, eff. June 9, 2023.

Art. 1004.1. Petition for termination of parental rights; child conceived as a result of a sex offense

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

At any time, including prior to or during an adoption proceeding, when a child is conceived as the result of the conviction or commission of a sex offense as defined in R.S. 15:541, the victim of the sex offense may petition to terminate the rights of the perpetrator of the sex offense. Termination shall result in the loss of all parental rights of the perpetrator regarding the child, including any rights to custody, visitation, and contact, as well as any right to intervene in such action. The termination shall not affect the inheritance rights of the child. The perpetrator shall be cast in judgment for all court costs.

Chapter 4. Grounds of Involuntary Termination

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

Art. 1015. Grounds; termination of parental rights

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

The grounds for termination of parental rights are:

(1) Conviction of murder of the child’s other parent.

(2) Unjustified intentional killing of the child’s other parent.

(3) Conviction of a sex offense as defined in R.S. 15:541 by the natural parent which resulted in the conception of the child.

(4) Misconduct of the parent toward this child or any other child of the parent or any other child which constitutes extreme abuse, cruel and inhuman treatment, or grossly negligent behavior below a reasonable standard of human decency, including but not limited to the conviction, commission, aiding or abetting, attempting, conspiring, or soliciting to commit any of the following:

(a) Murder.

(b) Unjustified intentional killing.

(c) Aggravated crime against nature as defined by R.S. 14:89.1(A)(2).

(d) Rape.

(e) Sodomy.

(f) Torture.

(g) Starvation.

(h) A felony that has resulted in serious bodily injury.

(i) Abuse or neglect which is chronic, life-threatening, or results in gravely disabling physical or psychological injury or disfigurement.

(j) Abuse or neglect after the child is returned to the parent’s care and custody while under department supervision, when the child had previously been removed for his safety from the parent pursuant to a disposition judgment in a child in need of care proceeding.

(k) The parent’s parental rights to one or more of the child’s siblings have been terminated due to neglect or abuse, prior attempts to rehabilitate the parent have been unsuccessful, and the court has determined pursuant to Article 672.1, that current attempts to reunite the family are not required.

(l) Sexual exploitation or abuse, which shall include, but is not limited to acts which are prohibited by R.S. 14:43.1, 43.2, 46.3, 80, 81, 81.1, 81.2, 82.1(A)(2), 89, and 89.1.

(m) Human trafficking when sentenced pursuant to the provisions of R.S. 14:46.2(B)(2) or (3).

(5) Abandonment of the child by placing him in the physical custody of a nonparent, or the department, or by otherwise leaving him under circumstances demonstrating an intention to permanently avoid parental responsibility by any of the following:

(a) For a period of at least four months as of the time of the hearing, despite a diligent search, the whereabouts of the child’s parent continue to be unknown.

(b) As of the time the petition is filed, the parent has failed to provide significant contributions to the child’s care and support for any period of six consecutive months.

(c) As of the time the petition is filed, the parent has failed to maintain significant contact with the child by visiting him or communicating with him for any period of six consecutive months.

(6) Unless sooner permitted by the court, at least one year has elapsed since a child was removed from the parent’s custody pursuant to a court order; there has been no substantial parental compliance with a case plan for services which has been previously filed by the department and approved by the court as necessary for the safe return of the child; and despite earlier intervention, there is no reasonable expectation of significant improvement in the parent’s condition or conduct in the near future, considering the child’s age and his need for a safe, stable, and permanent home.

(7) The child is in the custody of the department pursuant to a court order or placement by the parent; the parent has been convicted and sentenced to a period of incarceration of such duration that the parent will not be able to care for the child for an extended period of time, considering the child’s age and his need for a safe, stable, and permanent home; and despite notice by the department, the parent has refused or failed to provide a reasonable plan for the appropriate care of the child other than foster care.

(8) The relinquishment of an infant pursuant to Chapter 13 of Title XI of this Code.

(9) The commission of a sex offense as defined in R.S. 15:541 by the natural parent which resulted in the conception of the child.

(10) The child is in the custody of the department pursuant to a court order for at least one year, unless sooner permitted by the court, and the identity of the child’s father remains unknown and all the following have occurred:

(a) In the course of investigating the case and providing services to the family the department has been unable to learn the identity of the father.

(b) No party to the proceedings or the mother, if not a party, is able to provide a first and last name of a putative father or alias sufficient to provide a reasonable possibility of identification and location.

(c) The department has obtained all of the following:

(i) A certified copy of the child’s birth certificate with no one indicated thereon as the father of the child, or the father listed has been determined not to be the biological father of the child.

(ii) A recent certificate from the putative father registry indicating that no person is listed or registered as the child’s father.

(iii) A recent certificate from the clerk of court in the parish in which the child was born indicating that no acknowledgment with respect to this child has been recorded.

Art. 1015.1. Grounds; termination of parental rights of perpetrator of a sex offense

Actualizada: 
16 de noviembre de 2023

Parental rights of a natural parent may be terminated in cases where there is a conviction or commission of a sex offense as defined in R.S. 15:541 by that natural parent which resulted in the conception of the child.